Singer Iggy Pop and his wild onstage antics were often the focus of attention. The band had a shambling, energetic sound deliberately reminiscent of past garage rock groups. They sold very few records in their original incarnation and often performed to indifferent or hostile audiences. Nevertheless, the Stooges are often regarded as hugely influential both on then-nascent heavy metal movement and also on punk rock. As has been said about The Velvet Underground, the handful of people who did actually buy the Stooges' early records at the time ended up forming bands of their own and thus changed history. In fact, Velvet Underground member John Cale produced the original incarnation of their self-titled album. The 1969 album 'The Stooges' has received since its release critical acclaim from many reviewers over the years.
The Stooges drew their sound from a variety of influences. Examples include the often transgressive rock and roll artists The Doors, The MC5, The Rolling Stones, The Troggs, and The Who. As well, the band members enjoyed the work of jazz and soul artists such as Booker T and the MGs, James Brown, and Miles Davis (particularly 'Bitches Brew').
In 2003, Iggy, Scott, and Ron reformed The Stooges with Minutemen and fIREHOSE bassist Mike Watt filling in. The 2000s lineup played festivals around the world, and in 2006 recorded a new album with Steve Albini.
Founding member and guitarist Ron Asheton was found dead at his home in Ann Arbor, MI on January 6, 2009. Iggy Pop posted a message on his website stating "I am in shock. He was my best friend."
On June 22, 2016, Williamson made an official statement for the band saying that the Stooges are no more.
"The Stooges is over. Basically, everybody's dead except Iggy and I. So it would be sort-of ludicrous to try and tour as Iggy and the Stooges when there's only one Stooge in the band and then you have side guys. That doesn't make any sense to me."
Website: www.iggyandthestoogesmusic.com
TV Eye
The Stooges Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Aah, hoo!
Stop it!
See that cat?
Yeah, I do mean you
See that cat?
Yeah, I do mean you
She got a TV eye on me
She got a TV eye on me
Oh
See that cat
Down on her back?
See that cat
Down on her back?
She got a TV eye on me
She got a TV eye
She got a TV eye on me
Oh
See that cat?
Yeah, I love her so
See that cat?
Yeah, I love her so
She got a TV eye on me
She got a TV eye
She got a TV eye on me
Oh, yeah
Right on
Right on
Right on
Right on
Yeah, c'mon!
See that cat?
Look here, I love her so
You see that cat?
Yeah, I love her so
She got a TV eye on me
She got a TV eye
She got a TV eye on me
Oh
The Stooges' "TV Eye" is a song with simple and repetitive lyrics, yet it packs a powerful punch as it discusses how we are constantly being watched and observed, almost like characters on TV. The "TV Eye" can be interpreted as a metaphor for surveillance, as the lyrics suggest that someone is always watching, even when we don't know it. The song also suggests desire and obsession, as the singer becomes infatuated with a woman who has a "TV eye" on him, and he reciprocates those feelings. The song's intensity builds with each chorus, as the repetition of "TV eye" is punctuated by growling vocals and distorted guitars that help to create a frenzied and chaotic feeling. The song is a statement on modern society's obsession with media and the impact it can have on our relationships and sense of self.
Overall, "TV Eye" is a visceral and powerful song that encapsulates the raw energy and attitude of punk rock, with lyrics that are both simple and thought-provoking. Despite being released over 50 years ago, the song's message is still relevant today and can be seen as a commentary on the ever-increasing saturation of media in our daily lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord
The singer is addressing someone in a position of power or higher authority.
Aah, hoo!
The singer is making a vocalization to show excitement or anticipation.
Stop it!
The singer is telling someone to stop whatever they are doing.
See that cat?
The artist is drawing attention to someone or something.
Yeah, I do mean you
The artist is directly addressing the person they were referring to when they said 'see that cat'.
She got a TV eye on me
The singer is saying that the person they are referring to is constantly watching him, like a TV camera.
She got a TV eye
Repetition of previous line for emphasis.
See that cat? Down on her back?
The artist is pointing out the physical position of the person they are referring to.
She got a TV eye on me
Repetition of the idea that the person is watching him like a TV camera.
Yeah, c'mon!
The artist is urging someone to do something, possibly to act on what they've been discussing.
Right on
The singer is showing affirmation and approval for something.
See that cat? Look here, I love her so
The artist is expressing both admiration and affection for the person they are referring to.
She got a TV eye on me
Reinforcement of the observation that the person is watching him.
Oh, yeah
The singer is exclaiming in agreement or excitement.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID ALEXANDER, JAMES OSTERBERG, RONALD ASHETON, SCOTT ASHETON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind