"Ugly Americans" - North… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two bands by this name.
"Ugly Americans" - North Carolina:
A hardcore band from North Carolina who existed between 1983 and 1987. Appearing on V/A - Empty Skulls vol. 2: The Wound Deepens comp, releasing two LP's titled "THE DREAM TURNS SOUR LP" (released on disciple records 1984), "WHO'S BEEN SLEEPING IN MY BED LP" (released on death records, 1986), they also released one 7" titled "PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM" (which was also released by death records in 1986).
"The Ugly Americans" - Austin, Texas
In 1993, cast-offs from several alternative roots outfits (Cracker, Mojo Nixon, Poi Dog Pondering) formed the Ugly Americans in Austin, TX. Bassist Sean McCarthy had organized Atlantic Soul jams at the legendary Antone's club, where he met drummer Dave Robinson, lead guitarist Max Evans, rhythm guitarist Bruce Hughes, and vocalist Bob Schneider. After adding organist David Boyle and earning a spot on 1994's H.O.R.D.E. Tour, the Ugly Americans released a self-titled live album in 1995 and supported the Dave Matthews Band and Big Head Todd & the Monsters. Signed to Capricorn that year, the band worked with producer Don Gehman on their studio debut, Stereophonic Spanish Fly, released in 1996. It was followed two years later by Boom Boom Baby.
NOTHING TO LOSE
Ugly Americans Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I heard that Lenny Spooks was dead
They're putting shiny copper pennies
On his tiny little head
Horses they still run
Ladies of the night
Still walk these streets in patent leather shoes
But momma I don't mind
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
They said we were gonna have a good time
They said that everyone was invited
We all went down to Hollywood California
But honey don't get too excited
They'll tie you to the railroad spine
They'll run you through your paces
They'll leave you stranded in the shadows
Dying in the pews
Till you ain't got nothing to lose
Time may come and heal the pain inside my heart
But I know these scars they will never fade away
Tomorrow's not a promise that's what she used to say
Boy you just be lucky that you eve got today
And though I'm barely breathing I ain't shaking in my shoes
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
You better double up or double down
You know there ain't know way to fight it
Not with your nickel plated shirt stains
Not with your bottles of dilauded
You're lying in the sun drowning in the night
You got everything 'cept something I can use
There's blood on every corner but momma I don't mind
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
The song "Nothing To Lose" by Ugly Americans speaks of a life lived in desperation, with little hope and no fear of losing anything. The lyrics are full of evocative imagery, painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and ugly at the same time. The song begins with a reference to someone called Lenny Spooks, who has apparently died. This is followed by a description of shiny copper pennies being placed on his head. The tone of the lyrics is one of resignation and acceptance, suggesting that death is simply a part of life and that there is little that can be done to change that fact.
The next verse talks about the continued existence of things like horses and sex workers, despite the death of Lenny Spooks. There is also a reference to blood on every corner, but the singer says that they don't mind. This could be interpreted in a number of ways, perhaps suggesting that the singer has become desensitized to violence and death or has simply accepted it as a normal part of life. The chorus of the song urges the listener to double up or double down, as there is no way to fight or change the circumstances of their life.
The second half of the song begins with a cautionary tale about a trip to Hollywood that doesn't go as planned. The singer warns that even when things seem like they are going well, there is always a chance that they will turn sour. The lyrics suggest that there are always people waiting to take advantage of those who have nothing, and that even those with something to lose may eventually find themselves in a similar position. The song concludes with a final chorus, reminding the listener that they have nothing to lose and encouraging them to live their life without fear.
Line by Line Meaning
You better double up our double down
You need to be prepared and take risks.
I heard that Lenny Spooks was dead
There's danger in the air, and people are dying.
They're putting shiny copper pennies On his tiny little head
Even in death, people will find ways to show their respect.
Horses they still run
Life goes on, despite everything else.
Ladies of the night
Prostitution is still a thriving business.
Still walk these streets in patent leather shoes
People seem to be doing fine, even in difficult times.
They're is blood on every corner
There's violence and chaos everywhere you look.
But momma I don't mind
Despite all of the trouble, I'm okay with it.
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
I have nothing left to risk or lose, so I'm content.
They said we were gonna have a good time
We were promised a happy experience.
They said that everyone was invited
They promised inclusion and equality.
We all went down to Hollywood California
We headed to a famous location, looking for excitement.
But honey don't get too excited
Don't get your hopes up too high, things may go wrong.
They'll tie you to the railroad spine
You will be trapped and unable to escape.
They'll run you through your paces
They'll force you to conform to their expectations.
They'll leave you stranded in the shadows
You'll be completely alone and helpless.
Dying in the pews
You'll meet your end in a small, unnoticed way.
Till you ain't got nothing to lose
You'll lose everything, until you have nothing left.
Time may come and heal the pain inside my heart
Eventually, I may find peace, and my emotional pain may fade.
But I know these scars they will never fade away
Still, some wounds and memories will always be with me.
Tomorrow's not a promise that's what she used to say
The future is uncertain, and we can't take it for granted.
Boy you just be lucky that you eve got today
We should be grateful for the present and not worry too much about the future.
And though I'm barely breathing I ain't shaking in my shoes
Even though I'm struggling, I'm still standing strong.
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
I have nothing much to worry about or lose at this point.
You better double up or double down
Once again, it's important to take risks and prepare for the worst.
You know there ain't know way to fight it
There's no use in trying to resist the inevitable.
Not with your nickel plated shirt stains
Even if you're dressed up, you can't change the situation.
Not with your bottles of dilauded
Even drugs won't solve your troubles.
You're lying in the sun drowning in the night
You're stuck in a painful, non-sensical situation.
You got everything 'cept something I can use
You seem to have everything, but it's not helpful.
There's blood on every corner but momma I don't mind
Bloodshed and chaos are everywhere, but I'm still okay with it.
You know I ain't got nothing to lose
Once again, I have nothing much to risk or lose.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Bob (T) Schneider, Bruce Hughes, Corey Mauser, Max Evans, Sean Mccarthy
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind