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
raw power
The Stooges Lyrics
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Lose sleep, baby, and stay away from bed
Raw power is sure to come a-runnin' to you
If you're alone and you got no fear
So am I baby let's move on out of here
Raw power is sure to come a-runnin' to you
Raw power got a magic touch
Raw power is much too much
It was made for you and me
Raw power, honey, just won't quit
Raw power, I can feel it
Raw power, it can't be beat
Poppin' eyes and flashin' feet
Don't you try, don't you try to tell me what to do
Everybody always tryin to tell me what to do
Look in the eyes of a savage girl
Fall deep in love in the underworld
Raw power is sure to come a-runnin' to you
If you're alone and you got the shakes
So am I, baby and I got what it takes
Raw power is sure to come a-runnin' to you
Raw power got a healin' hand
Raw power can destroy a man
Raw power, it's more than soul
Got a son called rock and roll
Raw power, honey, just won't quit
Raw power, I can feel it
Raw power, honey, can't be beat
Get down, baby and a kiss my feet
Everybody always tryin' to tell me what to do
Don't you try, don't you try to tell me what to do
Everybody always tryin' to tell me what to do
Don't you try, don't you try to tell me what to do
Raw power has got no place to go
Raw power, honey, it don't want to know
Raw power is a guaranteed O.D
Raw power is laughin' at you and me
This is what I wanna know
Can you feel it?
Can you feel it?
Oh, honey, feel it
Can you feel it?
Can you feel it?
Can you feel it?
Raw power
Raw power
Raw power
Raw power
Can you feel it?
Feel it
Raw power
Raw power
Raw power
Raw power
Raw power
Raw power
Can you feel it, baby?
The Stooges' "Raw Power" is a song about the liberating and energizing effect of rock and roll music. The lyrics start with a call to dance to the beat of the "livin' dead," which can be interpreted as a metaphor for the transformative power of music that can bring a sense of aliveness to people who feel dead inside. The mention of "raw power" as something that is "sure to come a-runnin' to you" reinforces this idea of music as a force that can awaken and empower individuals.
The lyrics also present a rebellious attitude towards authority figures who try to restrict personal freedom, as suggested by the lines "Don't you try, don't you try to tell me what to do, everybody always tryin' to tell me what to do." The song encourages an embrace of one's own instincts and desires, which are compared to the "raw power" of rock and roll. The final lines of the song introduce a darker element, suggesting that this power can also be destructive and even lethal: "Raw power is a guaranteed O.D, Raw power is laughing at you and me."
Line by Line Meaning
Dance to the beat of the livin dead
Join in the chaotic rhythm of the undead
Lose sleep, baby, and stay away from bed
Stay alert and vigilant; don't rest
Raw power is sure to come a-runnin' to you, If you're alone and you got no fear
If you're unafraid and independent, you'll attract raw power
So am I baby let's move on out of here, Raw power is sure to come a-runnin' to you
Join me in seeking fearless power and we'll find it
Raw power got a magic touch
The power has a supernatural quality
Raw power is much too much
The power is overwhelming and excessive
Happiness is guaranteed, It was made for you and me
The immense power brings happiness and it's meant for everyone
Raw power, honey, just won't quit
The power is unrelenting and unstoppable
Raw power, I can feel it
The power is tangible and real
Raw power, it can't be beat, Poppin' eyes and flashin' feet
The power is unrivaled and causes excitement
Don't you try, don't you try to tell me what to do, Everybody always tryin to tell me what to do
Don't try to control me; people are always trying to do that
Look in the eyes of a savage girl, Fall deep in love in the underworld
Seek out the wild and unconventional; love can happen anywhere
Raw power is sure to come a-runnin' to you, If you're alone and you got the shakes
If you're scared and vulnerable, raw power will still find you
So am I, baby, and I got what it takes, Raw power is sure to come a-runnin' to you
I am also confident, and we'll both find power together
Raw power got a healin' hand, Raw power can destroy a man
The power can either help or harm, as it chooses
Raw power, it's more than soul, Got a son called rock and roll
The power transcends mere music and is embodied in rock and roll
Get down, baby and a kiss my feet
Bow down to the power; submit to it
Raw power has got no place to go, Raw power, honey, it don't want to know
The power is directionless and doesn't need anywhere to go
Raw power is a guaranteed O.D, Raw power is laughin' at you and me
The power can be dangerous and is indifferent to us
This is what I wanna know, Can you feel it?
I want to know if you can sense the power
Raw power, Raw power, Can you feel it?
The power is emphasized and we are asked to feel it
Oh, honey, feel it, Can you feel it?
We are enticed to experience the power
Raw power, Raw power, Raw power, Raw power, Can you feel it?
Repeatedly emphasizing the raw power as something to be experienced
Feel it, Raw power, Raw power, Raw power, Raw power, Raw power, Can you feel it, baby?
An invitation to feel the power and reminding us of its intensity
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JAMES OSTERBERG, JAMES WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind