The band's lineup fluctuated significantly over their first nine years, though founding members Steven Ronald "Stevo" Jensen, guitarist Jan Nils Ackermann, and first consistent drummer Joe Escalante remained regular fixtures. Of the original members only Escalante has remained through all incarnations of the band. The current lineup of Escalante, Dave Quackenbush, Warren Fitzgerald, and Josh Freese has remained intact since 1990 and is considered by most fans to be far removed from the band's early 1980s incarnation. Since 2002 Escalante has released all of the band's albums through his Kung Fu Records label, with Fitzgerald generally producing.
Ladykiller
The Vandals Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Went down to the boulevard to play their ass some pool
Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla
Lady Killer
Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla
Lady Killer
I'mfa for, I'mfa for, I'mfa dancin' wit you
Mr. Flashdance, Old Bufu, Man Sam, and Doctor Boots
Came down from the south town to snort theey ass some toots
Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla
Lady Killer
Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla
Lady Killer
I'mfa for, I'mfa for, I'mfa dancin' wit you
Here go one, here go one, here go one, woooo
Well they came down looking to score
But they got a whole lot more
When they started a fight on that frightful night
At Lady Killer's bar
Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla
Lady Killer
Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla
Lady Killer
I'mfa for, I'mfa for, I'mfa dancin' wit you
Here go one, here go one, here go one, woooo
So if you have to leave your turf
You better not go far
Or start a fight on Friday night
In Lady Killer's Bar
The Vandals song Lady Killer is a satirical commentary on the toxic masculinity and machismo culture that was prevalent in the rock and punk scenes of the 1980s. The lyrics paint a picture of a group of alpha-male characters, such as "Mr. Playboy", "Sir Weasel", "Poppin Snake", and "Mr. Cool", who go to a bar called Lady Killer to assert their dominance and play pool. The chorus introduces the character of "Illa Zilla", who is identified as a "Lady Killer". This could be interpreted as a play on words, where "Lady Killer" could mean someone who is particularly attractive to women, or someone who is a murderer of women. The repeated use of "Illa Zilla" in the chorus, with its slightly menacing and repetitive rhythm, adds to this sense of unease.
The second verse introduces a new set of male characters, including "Mr. Flashdance", "Old Bufu", "Man Sam", and "Doctor Boots", who come from the "south town to snort they ass some toots". These characters are also portrayed as being brash and obnoxious, and are equally interested in asserting their dominance as the first group. However, the lyrics take a darker turn when a fight breaks out at Lady Killer's bar, which has been "drinkin' hard just like they do". The implication is that this kind of macho bravado can lead to violence and aggression. The final lines of the song warn the listener not to start a fight in Lady Killer's bar, suggesting that it is a place where toxic behavior is expected and encouraged.
Line by Line Meaning
Mr. Playboy, Sir Weasel, Poppin Snake, and Mr. Cool
A group of men, known for their womanizing and cunning personalities, gathered together.
Went down to the boulevard to play their ass some pool
They went to a local street to play a game of pool.
Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla, Illa Zilla
An expression of excitement and hype.
Lady Killer
A reference to the bar/club that they are visiting.
I'mfa for, I'mfa for, I'mfa dancin' wit you
They are ready and willing to dance with someone they find attractive.
Here go one, here go one, here go one, woooo
An expression of enthusiasm and eagerness for the night ahead.
Mr. Flashdance, Old Bufu, Man Sam, and Doctor Boots
A different group of men, known for drug use and questionable behavior, also gathered in the same area.
Came down from the south town to snort theey ass some toots
They traveled from a different part of town to snort drugs and party.
Well they came down looking to score
They came to the area seeking drugs and sex.
But they got a whole lot more
Instead of just drugs and sex, they encountered a dangerous situation at the bar.
When they started a fight on that frightful night
The fight occurred at the Lady Killer bar and caused fear and chaos.
So if you have to leave your turf
A warning to those from different parts of town not to come to their area to party.
You better not go far
If someone does travel to their area, they should not venture too far from safety.
Or start a fight on Friday night
They are warning others not to start trouble while partying on a Friday night.
In Lady Killer's Bar
The warning is specific to the Lady Killer bar and the dangers it can pose to outsiders.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM LEVINE, JAMES VALENTINE, MICKEY MADDEN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind