Formed in 1984, the group endured several line-up changes and soul-searching before coalescing around vocalist Jani Lane, guitarist Erik Turner, guitarist Joey Allen, bassist Jerry Dixon, and drummer Steven Sweet. In January 1988, Warrant signed a contract with Columbia Records. They then released their debut album, which they titled 'Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich'. Although coming in at the tail end of the 80s pop metal boom, their tuneful rock brought them some critical and commercial acclaim, the album reaching the #10 slot on the Billboard 200 top albums chart.
The band's second record, 'Cherry Pie', was released in March 1990, and spawned the hits "Cherry Pie", "Uncle Tom's Cabin", and "I Saw Red". It reached the Top Ten in the United States, and went on to sell over three million copies. The group found the title song, written by the band under studio pressure with the lyrics literally composed on a pizza box, a 'throw-away' type tune, giving them a commercial breakthrough. Yet their other tracks showed a desire to branch out into diverse subject matter and styles. For example, their southern rock inspired track "Uncle Tom's Cabin" alludes to the famous 1852 novel on racial divisions and features lyrics discussing shocking, covered-up murders while power ballad "Bed of Roses" discusses a romance beset by poverty and struggles reminiscent of Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer".
Through riding high after their multi-platinum success and passionate touring, the band found itself in the middle of the rise of alternative music in the early 90s. In 1992, Warrant released 'Dog Eat Dog'. The record, an attempt by the band to evolve in the face of changing musical trends, received some critical acclaim but achieved only moderate commercial success. Single "Machine Gun", the title alone showing the change in direction, still managed to reach the top 40 rock charts.
After this, the band would begin a long string of member changes, including even singer Jani Lane leaving the band briefly. Lane achieved some small success producing work without the group, doing some covers of other hard rock and metal bands. He would then return before the band released 'Ultraphobic' in 1995 and 'Belly to Belly, Vol. 1' in 1998. These were released on a smaller label and featured a new darker sound. Neither album would remotely come close to the success of the earlier albums. A live album and an album of re-recorded classic tracks as well as an all-covers disc, titled 'Under the Influence', followed these.
Jani Lane would once again leave the band in 2004. Ironically, all the other original members would return to the band the same year. Vocalist Jaime St. James, known for serving as the frontman of Black 'n Blue, would take over as singer. In 2006, Warrant released 'Born Again', which was their first album to not have Lane on vocals.
On March 4, 2008, Warrant announced that Lane had returned to the band. Lane toured with the band through 2008, but he left the band once again soon after. On August 11, 2011, Lane was found dead in a hotel room in Woodland Hills, California. He was 47, and condolences poured in from hard rock fans.
There is another band with the same name:
2) Warrant is, secondly, the name of an 80s-era Speed Metal band from Germany. This Warrant was formed in 1983 in Düsseldorf and has featured an aggressive heavy metal sound akin to contemporaries Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. The band's original line-up was Jörg Juraschek (vocals and bass), Thomas Klein (guitar) and Lothar Wieners (drums). Oliver May (guitar) followed shortly afterwards.
In early 1985, Warrant released the EP 'First Strike', and they soon also released 'The Enforcer'. They went on tour with Warlock later that year. The band sadly split up not too long later, with Juraschek and May going on to form Punchline while Wieners formed Monroxe.
In 1999, the band (with Jörg and Oliver) briefly reunited and recorded two new songs. Both of Warrant's albums were reissued on a single disc in 2000, with those new tracks included. In 2010, 'First Strike' and 'The Enforcer' were re-released, this meaning new artwork as well as the inclusion of some some live recordings.
The band also notably performed several live shows with Necronomicon and starred in some music festivals. In August 2010, they signed a deal with PSR. Fans rejoiced as the group had new life breathed into it.
Big Talk
Warrant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you open your mouth You're bound to rumble
Johnny looks tough He's froze in the eyes
He keeps his mouth shut He don't tell no lies
Johhny went out last night Got in a barroom fight
Embarrassed a jealous man in front of his cheatin' wife
The man said "Tonight you won But I tell you son
Big talk is just cheap talk unless Unless you're backin' it up
Big talk is cheap talk Only words
Unless you're backin' it up Backin' it up
I don't know why some men lay down and die
Don't they believe in what they are sayin'
You should get on your fee Believe you can't be beat
Remember talk is only playin'
Big talk is just cheap talk unless Unless you're backin' it up
Big talk is cheap talk Only words
Unless you're backin' it up Backin' it up
I remember what my old man used to say
WE'RE BACKIN' IT UP
Never give up and run
WE'RE BACKIN' IT UP
Don't let the talkin' breeze blow you away
Always remember Stick to your guns
The lyrics to Warrant's song "Big Talk" are a commentary on the importance of living up to one's words and not just talking a big game. The song describes a rough and tumble world where physical fights on back streets are commonplace, and where those who talk big but don't back it up are quickly exposed as phonies. The singer of the song, Johnny, is a macho figure who has just won a barroom fight but knows that he will soon face revenge from his defeated opponent. However, Johnny is not intimidated, and he tells his enemy that talk is cheap unless you can back it up.
The theme of "Big Talk" reflects the broader culture of hard rock and heavy metal music in the 1980s, which often glamorized a tough-guy image and celebrated physical power and aggression. However, the song also suggests that there is more to being a strong person than just beating others up or talking a big game. The lyrics urge listeners to believe in themselves and their abilities, and to stay true to their goals even in the face of adversity or criticism. Ultimately, "Big Talk" is a call to action for anyone who wants to achieve great things in life, reminding them that words alone are not enough, but need to be accompanied by action and follow-through.
Line by Line Meaning
Back street fight is looking for trouble
Fighting in the back street is an invitation for trouble
If you open your mouth You're bound to rumble
If you speak up, you will always end up fighting
Johnny looks tough He's froze in the eyes
Johnny appears strong and has a firm look in his eyes
He keeps his mouth shut He don't tell no lies
He remains quiet and does not tell any falsehoods
Johhny went out last night Got in a barroom fight
Johnny went out last night and ended up in a brawl at a bar
Embarrassed a jealous man in front of his cheatin' wife
He humiliated a jealous man in front of his unfaithful spouse
The man said "Tonight you won But I tell you son This one's far from over" Johnny said...
The vanquished opponent retorted that it's not over yet; Johnny replied...
Big talk is just cheap talk unless Unless you're backin' it up
Talking big without action to support it is meaningless
Big talk is cheap talk Only words
Talking big is not impressive by itself
Unless you're backin' it up Backin' it up
You must support what you say with real action
I don't know why some men lay down and die Don't they believe in what they are sayin' You should get on your fee Believe you can't be beat Remember talk is only playin'
Some people give up quickly; they should believe in themselves and not let words intimidate them
I remember what my old man used to say WE'RE BACKIN' IT UP Never give up and run WE'RE BACKIN' IT UP Don't let the talkin' breeze blow you away Always remember Stick to your guns
He remembers his father always emphasized that one should always back up their words with action, refuse to give up or be easily intimidated, and stay true to their beliefs
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERIK TURNER, J. LANE, JERRY DIXON, JOEY ALLEN, STEVEN SWEET
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Rafael S
Lyrics
Warrant - Big Talk
Street fighting is looking for trouble
If you open your mouth
Your bound to rumble
Johnny looks tought
He's foze in the eyes
He keeps his mouth shut
He don't tell no lies
Johnny went out last night
Got in a bar room fight
Embarassed a jealous man
In front if his cheating wife
The man said "Tonight you won
But I'll tell you son,
This one's far from over"
Johnny said
CHORUS
Big talk is just talk
Unless, unless your backing it up
Big talk is cheap talk is
Only words unless you're backing it up
(We're backin' it up)
GrantJHillman
It's a shame that all of these great hair bands of the 80's were simply chewed up and spit out by the public in such a short span of time. Most of them deserved so much better.
Maruan Valenzuela
@Debby Gollobit well said !
Kevin Blackburn
@OVI-Wan Kenobi you can say the same about record companies for every decade. They suck!
Kevin Blackburn
@boxxy trolley and let's face it. They were fun! You left their live shows with a smile on your face. They sang with you, not at you.
Kevin Blackburn
@Keith Vella agreed. no decade was more diverse than the 80's.
Kevin Blackburn
@horizon color You are absolutely correct. I am 56 and consider myself very lucky growing up with the music of the 70's and 80's. I like all genres and most decades (except for the crap that is coming out now). I will say most people change their opinion when they see bands like Warrant live.
Wrestling Epicenter
One of my favorite Warrant songs. Listen to the lyrics and see if you get why. Now I don't know why some men lay down and die, Don't they believe in what they're saying? You should get on your feet, believe you can't be beat. Remember, talk is only playing. I remember what my old man used to say, never give up and run. Don't let the talking breeze blow you away, always remember, stick to your guns.
The Jic
It’s been a long 10 years wow
The Jic
It’s 2019 and this tune still rocks
Glamprince89 Rockking77
It's 2022 and Erik hasn't taken over lead 😒
Warrant would sound better IMO with Turner on lead or a hired gun like Stacey Blades.