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.
Ride
Warrant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A broken line so I can pass the things
That try to slow me down or get in my way
I don't need someone holding on too tight
I'd rather have a warm clear southern nite
Miles of empty road, wind in my face
Give me a life to ride
Outta sight outta mind
Just give me a life to ride
Now this one wants a brand new picket fence
This one wants his wife to make sense
Neither one remembers ever being free
Now i control my life and destiny
Yes I am the king of everything I see
Never gonna suck my life away
Never gonna be a slave
Give me a life to ride
Leave what I hate behind
Outta sight outta mind
Just give me a life to ride
The lyrics to Warrant's song Ride #2 convey a sense of freedom and independence. The singer is looking for something that will allow them to break away from restrictions and limitations. For them, that something is gasoline and an open road. They don't need someone to hold onto them, they don't need love, they just need the wind in their face and miles of empty road ahead of them. They want to leave behind the things that they hate and start anew, embracing the freedom that comes with being in control of their own life and destiny.
In the second verse, the singer contrasts their own desire for a life of independence with the desires of others around them. Some people want a picket fence and a conventional life, while others want to make sense of their relationships. But the singer has no interest in those things, as they believe that true freedom comes from being the king of everything they see. They refuse to be a slave to anyone or anything, instead choosing to lead their own life and follow their own path.
Overall, the lyrics to Ride #2 celebrate individualism, freedom, and the ability to live life on your own terms. It's a call to break away from convention and choose your own adventure, no matter where the road may lead you.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't need love I just need gasoline
I don't require a romantic relationship, I just need fuel for my motorcycle.
A broken line so I can pass the things
I need a dashed line on the road so I can overtake slow-moving vehicles.
That try to slow me down or get in my way
Cars and obstacles on the road that obstruct my speed are unwanted.
I don't need someone holding on too tight
I do not require someone who is clingy or relies on me too much.
I'd rather have a warm clear southern nite
I would prefer to ride during a cozy, clear evening in the South.
Miles of empty road, wind in my face
I opt for serene rides on hundreds of vacant roads with fresh blowing wind on my face.
Now this one wants a brand new picket fence
One person seeks a new conventional suburban lifestyle.
This one wants his wife to make sense
Another wants his marital partner to be comprehensible and agreeable.
Neither one remembers ever being free
Both never reminisce about their times without any restrictions.
Now i control my life and destiny
I am the one with power and authority over my fate.
Yes I am the king of everything I see
I am the ruler of my world and surroundings.
Never gonna suck my life away
I never desire to spend my life wasted or unhappy.
Never gonna be a slave
I never want to be subservient to anyone or anything.
Give me a life to ride
I crave a life devoted to motorcycle riding.
Leave what I hate behind
I am leaving behind things that I detest or cause hindrance.
Outta sight outta mind
Once I don't see or think of them anymore, I forget and ignore the previously mentioned problems.
Just give me a life to ride
A life constituted solely of motorbike rides is what I want.
Contributed by Addison J. Suggest a correction in the comments below.