Rundgren is well known among his fans as being an electronic music revolutionary. His skilled production techniques, matched by his belief that he has ability to play just about any instrument at a mastery level, has allowed him to release some of the most honest and personal music of his time. Many of his solo albums, including Something/Anything?]' were made completely by himself. That is, he played all the instruments, sang all the vocals, did all of the recording, editing, mixing, and mastering.
Website: http://www.tr-i.com/
Core discography:
With Nazz:
1968 - Nazz
1969 - Nazz Nazz
1970 - Nazz III
Solo:
1970 - Runt
1971 - Runt. The Ballad of Todd Rundgren
1972 - Something/Anything?
1973 - A Wizard, a True Star
1974 - Todd
1975 - Initiation
1976 - Faithful
1978 - Hermit of Mink Hollow
1978 - Back to the Bars (live)
1981 - Healing
1983 - The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect
1985 - A Cappella
1989 - Nearly Human
1991 - 2nd Wind
1993 - No World Order
1995 - The Individualist
1997 - With a Twist
1998 - Up Against It
2000 - One Long Year
2003 - Can't Stop Running (live box set)
2004 - Liars
2008 - Arena
2011 - Todd Rundgren's Johnson
2011 - (re)Production
2013 - State
2015 - Global
2015 - Runddans (collaboration with Emil Nikolaisen and Hans-Peter Lindstrøm)
2017 - White Knight
With Utopia:
1974 - Todd Rundgren's Utopia
1975 - Another Live
1976 (released 2001) - Disco Jets
1977 - Ra
1977 - Oops! Wrong Planet
1980 - Adventures in Utopia
1980 - Deface the Music
1982 - Swing to the Right
1982 - Utopia
1984 - Oblivion
1985 - P.O.V.
2003 - Last of the New Wave Riders (live box set)
Libertine
Todd Rundgren Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You could faint from the strong perfume
And she said her name was Libertine
In my ear, a voice said don't be a fool stay clear
Better stay away from Libertine
Stay away from Libertine
Stay away from Libertine
Stay away from Libertine
But my eyes couldn't come unglued
I was hypnotized by Libertine
So in time I broke down and I lost my mind
Then I made a move on Libertine
Stay away from Libertine
Made a move on Libertine
Stay away from Libertine
I made my move on Libertine
And I waited all night
'Til the timing was right
For another man was reaching for her hand
But he went to the phone
And when I got her alone
It just wasn't the same
Tell me what's in a name?
She made me drunk with her charms
Then she left on her husband's arm
And I got the shaft from Libertine
I was weak and I know just from whence I speak
Better stay away from Libertine
Stay away from Libertine
The song "Libertine" by Todd Rundgren is a cautionary tale about a woman who goes by the name Libertine. The singer initially tries to resist her charms, but finds himself unable to ignore her. He becomes "hypnotized" by her and eventually makes a move, despite the warning he hears in his ear. He waits for the right moment to approach her, but is ultimately disappointed when she leaves with her husband. The song ends with the singer reflecting on his weakness and the lesson he learned from his encounter with Libertine: to stay away from her.
The song features a catchy melody and upbeat instrumentation that contrasts with the cautionary message of the lyrics. This contrast emphasizes the seductive nature of Libertine and the allure of temptation.
One interpretation of the song is that it explores the themes of addiction and self-control. The singer is drawn to Libertine like a drug and is unable to resist her even though he knows it’s not in his best interest. This interpretation is supported by lyrics such as "she made me drunk with her charms" and "I was weak and I know just from whence I speak."
Overall, "Libertine" is a cautionary tale that warns listeners about the dangers of giving in to temptation, even when it seems irresistible.
Line by Line Meaning
When she walked in the room
At the start of the story, Libertine entered the room.
You could faint from the strong perfume
She had a very strong perfume that could make someone faint upon smelling it.
And she said her name was Libertine
The woman introduced herself as Libertine.
In my ear, a voice said don't be a fool stay clear
An inner voice warned the artist to stay away from Libertine.
Better stay away from Libertine
The artist was advised to avoid Libertine.
Stay away from Libertine
The singer was warned again to not pursue Libertine.
So I stayed out of view
At first, the singer stayed hidden from Libertine's sight.
But my eyes couldn't come unglued
However, the artist was unable to look away from Libertine.
I was hypnotized by Libertine
Libertine had a hypnotic effect on the artist.
So in time I broke down and I lost my mind
Eventually, the artist gave in to their temptations and became irrational due to Libertine's influence.
Then I made a move on Libertine
The singer approached Libertine after giving in to their desires.
Made a move on Libertine
The artist tried to make a move on Libertine again.
I made my move on Libertine
The singer approached Libertine again after being unsuccessful the first time.
And I waited all night
The singer eagerly waited for an opportunity to approach Libertine.
'Til the timing was right
The singer waited until the perfect moment to approach Libertine.
For another man was reaching for her hand
Another man was attempting to get Libertine's attention.
But he went to the phone
The other man suddenly went to answer a phone call.
And when I got her alone
The singer finally had the chance to be alone with Libertine.
It just wasn't the same
The situation didn't go as planned and the singer was disappointed with the outcome.
Tell me what's in a name?
The artist questioned the significance of Libertine's name after their failed attempt to approach her.
She made me drunk with her charms
Libertine's charms were intoxicating to the artist.
Then she left on her husband's arm
Libertine left with her husband, making the situation even more complicated for the artist.
And I got the shaft from Libertine
The singer got the short end of the stick after their encounter with Libertine.
I was weak and I know just from whence I speak
The artist admitted their weakness and warned others to avoid making the same mistake with Libertine.
Better stay away from Libertine
The song ends with the same warning to stay away from Libertine.
Stay away from Libertine
The song reinforces the warning to not pursue Libertine.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JOHN WILCOX, ROGER POWELL, TODD RUNDGREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@rts100x5
just the perfect combination of talent , song writing , execution ...especially the harmonies make this album top 3 Utopia ..... I can sing this stuff ALL year in year out and never get tired of it ...
@lauram3152
I really miss Utopia, I love Todd. All 4 are awesome musicians.
@kevinmcgiffin10
The sound these guys had was unmatched.
@kevinmcgiffin10
When she walked in the room you could tell by her strange perfume ...and she said her name was libertine ! I love this stuff ❤👍✌
@jamestcallahanphotographer
Oh, you know it.
@TattKingMusicProductions
shout` out... guys...always fun, always a pleasure. THANK YOU
@tt14life90
My favorite of theirs. Great album. This was the first stuff I ever heard and loved them!
@TattKingMusicProductions
Happy Birthday Mr. S
@kevinmcgiffin10
LOVE THIS SOOO MUCH! COME ON PEOPLE ! PUT AN EAR TO THE SPEAKER !
@kevinodell1502
Every and all of the loves for this share.