Best known for his wry humor, Snider has been a fixture on the Americana, alt-country, and folk scene since his debut on MCA, entitled Songs for the Daily Planet, named for the bar where Snider used to play regularly in Memphis. On that album were the minor hits "Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues", a folk song about the early '90's grunge scene, featuring a band that "refused to play", and "Alright Guy", which later became the title cut of Gary Allan's 2001 album.
He released two more albums for MCA, Step Right Up and Viva Satellite, the latter often sparking colorful debate amongst fans for its comparisons to Tom Petty. He moved to John Prine's Oh Boy Records where he made Happy to Be Here, New Connection, Near Truths and Hotel Rooms, and East Nashville Skyline. That Was Me: The Best of Todd Snider 1994–1998 was released on the Hip-O label in August 2005.
Todd Snider's next studio album, The Devil You Know, was released in August 2006. It marked Snider's return to a major label, as he is now recording for New Door Records, a subsidiary of Universal Records.
The Devil You Know was named to several critics' year-end "best" lists, including a No. 33 ranking in Rolling Stone magazine's top 50 albums of the year, a No. 25 ranking by No Depression magazine, and No. 14 by Blender magazine.
Snider's songs "Late Last Night" and "I Believe You" have been recorded by the Oklahoma country-rock band Cross Canadian Ragweed. He co-wrote the song "Barbie Doll" with country star Jack Ingram.
Snider's new album, Peace Queer, is set to be released on October 14th, 2008, and will be available as a free download from Oct. 11 to Oct. 31 at http://www.toddsnider.net/store/product/1/Peace-Queer .
Iron Mike's Main Man's Last Request
Todd Snider Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Everything is going to be okay
I could have told you when you started making money
That the world was going to treat you this way
Forget your first wife, she was no good for you
She was gold-digging bitch, and her mom was, too
Hey, Iron Mike
Don't let them get you down
Hey little buddy, don't look uneasy
You just keep your eyes fixed on this fight
If that mean old Don King don't give you back all of your money
I say you and I, we go take it back some night
You're still the champion, and everybody knows you are
Come on, Iron Mike, let's take the Porsche to the titty bar
Come on, champ
Come on, champ
All I'm asking for is $300
And that's only 'til my brother straightens out
I would do this for you if I could and you needed me to
Ain't that what friendship's all about?
Hey little buddy, don't get angry
God, please, at least not at me
You know that I am right behind you
All the way, old compadre
You just say whatever you want to, and I'll agree
Who washed every car in this ten-car garage?
Who carries the boombox in the entourage?
Me. Mike. Goddamn it. Me.
The song "Iron Mike's Main Man's Last Request" by Todd Snider tells a story through the perspective of a loyal friend and confidant to Mike Tyson. He is trying to offer a comforting message to Tyson, who has faced numerous struggles in his life, including divorce and financial losses. The lyrics start with reassuring Tyson that everything will be alright and go on to express disapproval of his ex-wife and her mother. The friend even offers to help Tyson take back his money from Don King, stating that they will go to a titty bar together after getting Tyson's Porsche back. The song ends with the friend asking for only $300, reflecting the depth of their friendship.
The friend's perspective shows a deep bond that exists beyond the boxing ring between Tyson and his confidant. The song also reflects on Tyson's struggles after achieving success and how he was treated by the world. The lyrics are an attempt to let Tyson know that he has someone in his corner who understands and accepts him for who he is.
Line by Line Meaning
Hey little buddy, don't even worry
There's no need to worry, everything is going to be alright
Everything is going to be okay
You have nothing to worry about
I could have told you when you started making money
I knew from the start that you would be treated poorly
That the world was going to treat you this way
People are going to be unkind to you
Forget your first wife, she was no good for you
Your ex-wife was not worth your time and effort
She was gold-digging bitch, and her mom was, too
Both your ex-wife and her mother were focused on your wealth
Hey, Iron Mike
A callout to Iron Mike Tyson
Don't let them get you down
Do not be emotionally affected by those who try to bring you down
Hey little buddy, don't look uneasy
You don't have to seem nervous
You just keep your eyes fixed on this fight
Stay focused on this battle
If that mean old Don King don't give you back all of your money
If Don King doesn't return all of the money owed to you
I say you and I, we go take it back some night
Let's retrieve the money from Don King without force if possible
You're still the champion, and everybody knows you are
The public still sees you as the winner
Come on, Iron Mike, let's take the Porsche to the titty bar
Let's go for a night out in the car and visit a strip club
Come on, champ
Another callout to Iron Mike Tyson
All I'm asking for is $300
Asking for a small amount of money
And that's only 'til my brother straightens out
That's only until my brother can solve his issues
I would do this for you if I could and you needed me to
I would lend you this money if I were able
Ain't that what friendship's all about?
Isn't that what true friendship is about?
Hey little buddy, don't get angry
There's no need to be upset
God, please, at least not at me
Please don't be angry with me
You know that I am right behind you
You know I support you
All the way, old compadre
Always by your side, my friend
You just say whatever you want to, and I'll agree
I will agree with anything you say
Who washed every car in this ten-car garage?
Who washed all the cars in this ten-car garage?
Who carries the boombox in the entourage?
Who is responsible for carrying the boombox in the entourage?
Me. Mike. Goddamn it. Me.
I am responsible for these things, Mike Tyson had nothing to do with it.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind