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)
Little Red Lights
Todd Rundgren Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But once I hit the open road
I'll be sailing off and on my own
You and me in my gt
With those little red lights in front of me
When I go to heaven you know that's where I want to be
I'd like to stop and catch myself a bite
But I sure hate to leave the road tonight
Instrumental in 3 movements: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear.
And when I'm racing the clock
You know that I would die or kill somebody
Just to move this hunk of steel one more block
Spoken (with mild disdain as one gropes for the
Stick):
I think I see a little red light in my rear view mirror
A terrific case ensues, resulting in many highway
Statistics and ultimately, the realization of the
Desire expressed in the chorus. rip
The song Little Red Lights by Todd Rundgren is a captivating and powerful narrative of a person finding freedom on the open road, away from the constraints of society. The lyrics begin with a warning to take things slow and steady, but as soon as the singer is on the open road, they are free to do as they please. The reference to "little red lights" in front of the car indicates the stoplights they must obey within society. The singer then expresses a hopeful desire to reach heaven, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for reaching the ultimate state of freedom.
The second portion of the song speaks to the singer's reluctance to leave the journey, even though they would like to take rest and catch a quick bite. The instrumental interludes between the verses describe the engaging and thrilling ride, with each movement progressively becoming faster and more intense. The final portion of the song contains spoken word, where the singer expresses both fear and excitement at the prospect of being stopped by the authorities. Despite the potential consequences, the singer is excited to continue their journey towards freedom.
Overall, the song describes the feeling of liberation and the hope that one day we can all reach a point of freedom from the societal constructs that bind us.
Line by Line Meaning
You got to ease into line boy
Take your time getting in line and don't rush
But once I hit the open road
Once I start driving on the highway
I'll be sailing off and on my own
I'll be driving independently and making my own decisions
You and me in my gt
You and I riding in my sports car
With those little red lights in front of me
Referring to brake lights from other cars on the road
When I go to heaven you know that's where I want to be
The feeling of freedom and happiness while driving is heaven for me
Would you please fill it up boy
Can you please fill up the gas tank?
I'd like to stop and catch myself a bite
I want to take a break and grab some food
But I sure hate to leave the road tonight
I don't want to stop driving and leave the highway
Instrumental in 3 movements: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear.
A guitar solo with different speeds and intensities to represent different gears in a car
And when I'm racing the clock
When I'm in a hurry to get somewhere quickly
You know that I would die or kill somebody
I would do anything to try and move faster, even if it's dangerous
Just to move this hunk of steel one more block
I'm willing to risk everything to move my car a little further
I think I see a little red light in my rear view mirror
Referring to police lights behind the car
A terrific case ensues, resulting in many highway statistics and ultimately, the realization of the desire expressed in the chorus.
Getting into trouble with the police and potentially causing accidents, but ultimately living for the feeling of freedom and happiness while driving
rip
Unknown, could be the end of the song or a reference to something else entirely
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: TODD RUNDGREN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
pinkalgebra
i think the instrumental actually goes all the way up to FIFTH GEAR
Rob Johnson
I think it goes up to 11
Annette Weatherman
This is GREAT! Why isn't anybody listening to this??? SHARE IT
Jan Bigbute'
You need to join. "Todd Rundgren Is My Kryptonite" FB page
David Maynard
Something/ Anything? Was my very first double LP I loved every song with my fav being Black Maria! Been a lifelong. Fan. He should be in the rock hall of fame but it's mostly a popularity contest. Bad finger should also be in the hall
Courtney Wallace
Todd has been my favorite artist with Wizard really turning me into him at 8 years old. Still my all time favorite artist at 53. This is great burner!
Scott Wilson
I remember this album new- came out the year I got my 1st apartment-and still in High School! Used to call in sick to school and stay home w/pals and listen to this..me n best pal Kurt jammin to it...while...Hadda love the latte 70's and all that came with it!
Djimi Wrey Bigsby
Still love that album.🎛
Still cover "couldn't i just tell you"
and "under the ice" in the trio🎸
Still listen to "wizard" on cali tripsðŸ¤
Still got runt in my veins🎼🎵🎶
Wish i still had the red vinyl😱
idk wtf happened to it ...🤔
Prolly some angry ex holding it 😘
Kevin Kinnu
Very cool edgy guitar work
Frankincensed
Jimi'd be proud.