The original members of Y&T were Dave Meniketti (lead vocals and lead guitar), Leonard Haze (drums), Phil Kennemore (bass), and Joey Alves (rhythm guitar). Haze was replaced by Jimmy DeGrasso in 1986. Alves was replaced by Stef Burns in 1989. The band officially disbanded in 1991, although they continued to perform sporadically. They officially reunited in 2001 with a lineup of Meniketti, Kennemore, and Burns alongside Leonard Haze. Burns eventually went on to join the pop rock outfit Huey Lewis & The News and was replaced by John Nymann. Nymann was an old friend of the band who had sung backup for the group before. In 2006, Haze was asked to step down, and he was replaced by Mike Vanderhule.
The band's signature hits include "Summertime Girls", a Van Halen like piece of cheeky arena rock that reached #55 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1985, and ""Mean Streak." That latter track hiked up to #25 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock chart due to its aggressive, heavy style. Y&T's 1984 album, 'In Rock We Trust', has been their highest selling release, reaching #46 on the Billboard Album Charts and selling over 450,000 copies; the spirited album came very close to Gold status.
Main Website: http://www.yandtrocks.com/
City
Y&T Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't know if it's night or day
A little gypsy blood
Sure seems to go a long way
Time's gettin' tough
So, I'm getting tougher
Just let the music rock these blues away
Another day here and gone
Acetylene, gasoline, Jimmy Beam
Keeps us movin' on
Rockin' and rollin'
All my sweat and blood
Backstage floozies, all lookin' for love
CHORUS:
Take me to the city
Back home where I belong
Back to the city
Rock me all night long
Take me to the city
Back home where I belong
Hot town, big city
Rockin' all night long
Knock, knock, knock
Knockin' on the devil's door
Get a little, give a lot
But you always gotta give more
One day you're in, then
Next day you're out
Livin' on the edge is what it's all about
CHORUS
The lyrics of Y&T's song "City" depict the life of a touring musician who's constantly on the road, traveling from one city to another and experiencing the ups and downs of life on tour. The first two lines of the song convey the sense of disorientation that comes with being away from home for extended periods of time. The singer feels as if he's lost all sense of time and can't even differentiate between day and night. He then goes on to mention that his "gypsy blood" is what allows him to survive this lifestyle.
The lyrics also touch upon the struggles that come with being a musician, especially in times of financial hardship. The singer acknowledges that times are tough, but he's determined to get tougher and use music as a way to cope with the blues. The use of metaphors such as "acetylene, gasoline, Jimmy Beam" highlights the fast-paced nature of touring and the dependence on substances to keep going. The references to "backstage floozies" looking for love and the line "knocking on the devil's door" also convey the sense of temptation and danger that comes with life on the road.
The chorus of the song is an appeal to return home to the city where the singer feels he belongs. The repetition of the line "rock me all night long" reinforces the idea that music is the driving force behind the singer's life, and it's what makes him feel alive. The lyrics of "City" give listeners a glimpse into the world of touring musicians and the sacrifices they make to pursue their passion.
Line by Line Meaning
Nine months on the road
Been traveling for long, uncertain about the day or night, totally into the gypsy lifestyle.
Don't know if it's night or day
Lost track of time, night and day seem the same after traveling relentlessly for months.
A little gypsy blood
Nomadic lifestyle in the blood, allows to keep keep the faith and keep pushing through.
Sure seems to go a long way
The gypsy blood gives strength and resilience, making them last on the road for long periods.
Time's gettin' tough
Times are hard, family and friends are far away and there is no home to return to.
So, I'm getting tougher
Face the challenges and grow stronger with every passing day, taking courage from the success of music.
Just let the music rock these blues away
Music is an escape from pain and sorrow, it helps to cope with loneliness and adversity.
Caught up in a jet stream
In the groove and caught up in the act of making music, traveling at a high velocity from city to city.
Another day here and gone
Days blend together, feeling unchanging, as if it's been one long endless day.
Acetylene, gasoline, Jimmy Beam
Fuel that keeps them going through all the difficulties of being a musician on tour.
Keeps us movin' on
The support of fans and friends alike keeps them motivated and determined to move forward.
Rockin' and rollin'
Full of energy and passion while performing, making the most of every opportunity to get their music heard.
All my sweat and blood
The band pours their heart, soul and physical efforts into every show, giving it their all for their fans.
Backstage floozies, all lookin' for love
Groupies who follow the band in every city, hoping for some affection or attention from them.
Take me to the city
Desiring to return to the familiarity of urban life, where they feel comfortable and at home.
Back home where I belong
The city is their place of origin, where they feel the most connected and accepted.
Hot town, big city
The excitement of the city fuels their inspiration and provides them with motivation to keep going.
Rockin' all night long
Performing for an enthusiastic crowd, with no limit on the hours they can perform.
Knock, knock, knock
Being at the mercy of external forces, hoping for success and not to lose momentum.
Knockin' on the devil's door
Taking risky chances, walking on dangerous territories in pursuit of ultimate success.
Get a little, give a lot
Sometimes sacrificing personal gains in order to give to and entertain the masses.
But you always gotta give more
The price of fame is a never-ending expectation to give more of oneself to others.
One day you're in, then
Fame and success can be fleeting, effervescent and ever-changing.
Next day you're out
Being untouchable one moment can lead to fading into obscurity the next.
Livin' on the edge is what it's all about
Taking risks, charting unknown territories, and living life with the intensity it deserves.
CHORUS:
The chorus speaks of a longing to return to their home city, where they feel the most connected and their music feels most authentic.
Contributed by Christian W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.