The band released three albums, "America's Least Wanted" (1992), "Menace to Sobriety" (1995) and "Motel California" (1996) before disbanding in 1997.
The band reunited in the summer of 2010, performing at several festivals throughout 2010 and 2011. The band preformed at the 2012 Download Festival.
They have a new record called "Stairway to Hell" released on April 16, 2013. Ugly Kid Joe started a joint co-headlining European tour with Skid Row in October 2013 kicking off the tour in Southampton, UK.
In February 2015, Ugly Kid Joe successfully used pledgemusic.com in a crowdfunding effort to pay for the recording of their next album, to be titled 'Uglier Than They Used ta Be', is the first full-length studio album since they break-up after the album was completed in nearly 19 years,
As of July 2021, Ugly Kid Joe is working on their follow-up to Uglier Than They Used ta Be for a planned 2022 release.
Their official website is http://www.uglykidjoe.net
V.I.P
Ugly Kid Joe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With your fake-ass grin and your backstage pass
Front row at every single show
But your heart's in the wrong place
It's in the rat race
I don't know what you're trying to prove
Always fucking at my band
I got no jealously not towards security
Why are you always bringing me
Stay the fuck away from me
I'm talking to you V.I.P.
I'm talking to you
I know the power you possess
Playing cool rock for the all access
Big which, it's jealousy
I see that your heart's in the wrong place
You can't follow me
I don't know why you're kissing my ass
Cause as soon as I turn my back you start stabbin'
I'm reality, you can't just even bother me
I'm the one they came to see
Stay the fuck away from me
I'm talking to you V.I.P.
The lyrics to Ugly Kid Joe's V.I.P depict a sense of disdain for those who display fake behavior and attitude, especially towards the band. The persona is addressing a person who is a V.I.P, and is always seen with a backstage pass and front row seats at every show. However, despite this privileged status, the persona sees through the individual’s façade and recognizes that their heart is in the wrong place – rooted in the rat race of life, rather than genuine appreciation for the band's art. The persona also expresses their lack of jealousy towards the security, but reminds this V.I.P to stay away from them, because they can see right through their fake-ass grin and do not appreciate being talked about behind their back.
The lyricist is likely commenting on the type of fans who exhibit sycophantic behavior, latching onto their favorite bands and celebrities in shallow ways, hoping to gain access or some form of recognition. The persona is highlighting that these types of fans miss the point of authentic appreciation, and focus too much on the superficial aspects of stardom. The use of profanity in the lyrics also suggests a sense of frustration and anger towards this type of fan. In essence, the song is a statement against phony behavior, and the negative consequences it can bring to those who fall victim to it.
Line by Line Meaning
Shut up, talking out your ass
Stop speaking nonsense and making baseless claims
With your fake-ass grin and your backstage pass
You pretend to be friendly but in reality, you're just using your privilege and connections to gain access
Front row at every single show
You always manage to get the best seats and be in the spotlight
But your heart's in the wrong place
Your intentions and priorities are not genuine or sincere
It's in the rat race
You're solely focused on achieving success and status, regardless of others
I don't know what you're trying to prove
Your behavior and actions seem meaningless and pointless to me
Always fucking at my band
You criticize and attack my band even when we're performing well
When we're laying down a fat groove
You disrespect our musical talent and performance despite our efforts
I got no jealously not towards security
I'm not envious of your security or protection provided by your status
Why are you always bringing me
You keep bothering and pestering me despite my indifference towards you
Stay the fuck away from me
Stay away from me because I don't want anything to do with you
I'm talking to you V.I.P.
I'm addressing you, the VIP who is behaving inappropriately towards me and my band
I know the power you possess
You have influence and authority due to your status and connections
Playing cool rock for the all access
You act like you're a fan of our music just to gain access and use it to your advantage
Big which, it's jealousy
Your arrogance and superiority complex stems from your envy and resentment towards others
I see that your heart's in the wrong place
I can tell that your values and priorities are not genuine or sincere
You can't follow me
You cannot match my integrity and authenticity
I don't know why you're kissing my ass
I don't understand why you're being overly friendly and flattering towards me
Cause as soon as I turn my back you start stabbin'
You talk behind my back and undermine me when I'm not around
I'm reality, you can't just even bother me
I'm grounded in the truth and unaffected by your attempts to bother me
I'm the one they came to see
I'm the one who truly connects with and entertains the audience
Stay the fuck away from me
Keep your distance from me because I don't want anything to do with you
I'm talking to you V.I.P.
Again, I'm addressing you, the VIP who is acting inappropriately and disrespectfully towards me and my band
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ANTHONY BERNARD ROUND, DENNIS ROUND, DARNELL SMITH, MICHAEL DUNN, FELONY DAVIS, R FRANKLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind