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.
Hollywood
Warrant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Right beneath the stars
I walk around, they drive
Incredibly long black cars
I think that they could learn
A thing or two from me
While money is buying your house
They take love for granted
Say it grows on trees
The only thing I've ever seen
On a tree was leaves
I got a girl
She keeps my feet on the ground
I concentrate on her
I don't need to shop around
CHORUS
So sweet, tastes like honey
Right down to her feet
Who could ask for more
My girl is sweeter than a candy store
I go to work
I work hard all day
She works as hard as me
'Cause we got bills to pay
We share a roof
We share a bed
But unlike the rich we share
What's in eachothers' head
CHORUS
CHORUS
I live in Hollywood
Right beneath the stars
So far it's prety good
Pretty good so far
So far so good
So far so good
So far so good
So far so good
The song "Hollywood" by Warrant is a commentary on the materialistic lifestyle of people living in Hollywood. The opening lines of the song describe the setting, with the singer living in Hollywood "right beneath the stars." The lyrics then go on to contrast the opulent and extravagant lifestyle of the wealthy celebrities in Hollywood, who drive "incredibly long black cars" and take love for granted, with the more grounded lifestyle of the singer and his girlfriend. The singer believes that those living in Hollywood could learn a thing or two about what really matters in life from him.
The chorus of the song compares the singer's girlfriend to sweet honey, emphasizing the importance of love and a solid relationship as opposed to the superficiality of money and material possessions. The final lines of the song repeat the phrase "so far so good," suggesting that despite the challenges they face, the singer and his girlfriend are happy with their simple and meaningful life.
Overall, "Hollywood" is a critique of the values and lifestyle of those living in the entertainment industry, while championing the importance of love and human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I live in Hollywood
I currently reside in Hollywood, the epicenter of the American film industry.
Right beneath the stars
My house is situated in close proximity to the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, where celebrities' stars are embedded on the sidewalk.
I walk around, they drive
While wealthy individuals in the film industry choose to travel in their fancy, black cars, I prefer to enjoy the scenery on foot.
Incredibly long black cars
The vehicles favoured by the affluent in Hollywood are known for their length and dark hue.
I think that they could learn A thing or two from me
Despite being a regular person, I believe that I have something valuable to offer those in the entertainment industry.
While money is buying your house It's selling your sanity
Although it may seem like having a lot of money can solve all problems, it can actually lead to mental health issues and the prioritization of material goods over personal wellbeing.
They take love for granted Say it grows on trees
The wealthy in Hollywood often undervalue love, viewing it as something that is readily available and easily obtained.
The only thing I've ever seen On a tree was leaves
Love is not something that can be found growing on trees or obtained through material means, unlike the leaves which grow on trees.
I got a girl She keeps my feet on the ground
I am in a romantic relationship with someone who helps me remain grounded and focused on what truly matters.
I concentrate on her I don't need to shop around
I am content with my current partner and do not feel the need to pursue other romantic interests.
So sweet, tastes like honey Right down to her feet
My girlfriend is not only sweet in her personality, but her physical appearance is also attractive to me.
Who could ask for more My girl is sweeter than a candy store
I am grateful for my partner and feel that she exceeds my expectations in terms of the value she brings to my life.
I go to work I work hard all day
Like most people, I have a job that requires a lot of effort and determination to be successful.
She works as hard as me 'Cause we got bills to pay
My girlfriend and I both work hard to make ends meet and pay our expenses.
We share a roof We share a bed
My girlfriend and I live together and share not only a home but our intimate moments as well.
But unlike the rich we share What's in eachothers' head
While the wealthy may have possessions, my girlfriend and I prioritize our emotional closeness and share our thoughts and feelings with each other.
So far it's prety good Pretty good so far
Overall, my experience living in Hollywood has been positive thus far.
So far so good So far so good So far so good So far so good
Reiterating that my life in Hollywood has been relatively positive and without major issues.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: J. LANE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind