Lust for Life (Iggy Pop song)

Last updated

"Lust for Life"
Lust for Life.jpg
Cover of the 1977 Netherlands single
Single by Iggy Pop
from the album Lust for Life
ReleasedSeptember 9, 1977 (1977-09-09)
RecordedJune 1977 [1]
Studio Hansa (West Berlin) [2]
Genre
Length5:12
Label RCA
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) David Bowie
Music video
"Lust for Life" on YouTube

"Lust for Life" is a 1977 song performed by American singer Iggy Pop and co-written by David Bowie, featured on the album of the same name. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it at No. 149 on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time", re-ranking it at No. 325 in their 2021 updated list. [5]

Contents

Composition and performance

Co-written by Iggy Pop and David Bowie (written on a ukulele), the song is known for its opening drumbeat (played by Hunt Sales). The rhythm was based on the Armed Forces Network call signal, [6] which Pop and Bowie picked up on while waiting for a broadcast of Starsky & Hutch . [6] The drumbeat has since been imitated in numerous songs, including "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" by Jet and "Selfish Jean" by Travis; however, Sales's use of the rhythm was not original, as it was itself derived from "You Can't Hurry Love", released in July 1966 by The Supremes, [7] and "I'm Ready for Love", released in October 1966 by Martha and the Vandellas. [8]

In 1977, the song reached No. 3 on the Dutch Top 40. Its success was credited to a performance in the Dutch pop TV show TopPop , where Iggy Pop, shirtless, wrecked part of the stage set (which consisted of a couple of potted plants and some cardboard scenery). Although many viewers and newspapers complained about the apparent damage, the director of TopPop later admitted that they knew beforehand what Iggy was going to do and that the damage was minimal. [9] [10]

Lyrics

The song's lyrics contain a number of references to William S. Burroughs' experimental novel The Ticket That Exploded , most notably mentions of "Johnny Yen" (described by Burroughs as "The Boy-Girl Other Half strip tease God of sexual frustration") and "hypnotizing chickens".

In a 1995 interview, Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek and manager Danny Sugerman stated that the opening lyrics were about their deceased heroin dealer, nicknamed "Gypsy Johnny", arriving at Wonderland Avenue, with his heroin and his "motorized dildos". [8]

Track listing

1996 UK single

  1. "Lust for Life" – 5:11
  2. "(Get Up I Feel Like A) Sex Machine" – 4:05
  3. "Lust for Life (Live at the Feile Festival, 1993)" – 5:35
  4. "I Wanna Be Your Dog (Live at the Rock for Choice Benefit concert)" – 4:55

Personnel

According to biographer Chris O'Leary: [1]

Trainspotting

"Lust for Life" gained renewed popularity in the late 1990s after being featured in the 1996 British film Trainspotting . The song was heavily featured in the film's marketing campaign and subsequent soundtrack album, resulting in a new UK chart peak of number 26 after being reissued as a single. [11] It also reached No. 39 on the US Radio & Records Alternative chart, No. 44 in Canada, and No. 2 in Iceland. [12] [13] [14] The single's success inspired Pop's then-label Virgin Records to issue a greatest hits compilation titled Nude & Rude . [15] Pop's biographer Joe Ambrose writes that the song gained the same level of resurgence as the Doors' "The End" after that song's inclusion in Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 film Apocalypse Now . [16] In 1999, Pop reflected on the song's renewed popularity: [17]

When I made Lust for Life, I really thought America was gonna rock to this motherfucker. And it took 20 fuckin' years which is a really long time to wait. I guess what happened is that there was this system that wasn't gonna fuckin' give me a break, and I outlived the system. The movies and advertisers have subverted the stranglehold of radio in America, and there are now other ways for people to hear music. All of a sudden, – a few years ago when Trainspotting came out – I was walkin' down the street and I'd heard Raw Power comin' out of the bars.

A remix by the Prodigy was included in Trainspotting's 2017 sequel, T2 Trainspotting . [18]

Charts

Certifications

Sales certifications for "Lust for Life"
RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [31] Silver200,000Double-dagger-14-plain.png

Double-dagger-14-plain.png Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iggy Pop</span> American rock musician (born 1947)

James Newell Osterberg Jr., known professionally as Iggy Pop, is an American singer, musician, songwriter, actor, and radio broadcaster. Called the "Godfather of Punk", he was the vocalist and lyricist of proto-punk band The Stooges, who were formed in 1967 and have disbanded and reunited many times since.

<i>Lust for Life</i> (Iggy Pop album) 1977 studio album by Iggy Pop

Lust for Life is the second solo studio album by American musician Iggy Pop, released on September 9, 1977, through RCA Records. It was his second collaboration with English musician and friend David Bowie after The Idiot, released in March the same year. Shortly after Bowie released his own album Low in January, Pop went on a tour to support The Idiot with Bowie as his keyboardist. At the tour's conclusion, Pop and Bowie regrouped in Berlin to record the former's next solo album.

<i>The Idiot</i> (album) 1977 studio album by Iggy Pop

The Idiot is the debut studio album by American musician Iggy Pop, released on March 18, 1977 through RCA Records. It was produced by David Bowie and primarily recorded at the Château d'Hérouville in Hérouville, France. The album followed the break-up of Pop's band the Stooges in 1974 and a period of drug addiction for both Pop and Bowie, after which the two moved to Europe in an effort to kick their addictions.

<i>"Heroes"</i> (David Bowie album) 1977 studio album by David Bowie

"Heroes" is the 12th studio album by the English musician David Bowie, released on 14 October 1977 through RCA Records. Recorded in collaboration with musician Brian Eno and producer Tony Visconti, it was the second release of his Berlin Trilogy, following Low, released in January the same year, and the only one wholly recorded in Berlin. Sessions took place in mid-1977 after Bowie completed work on Iggy Pop's second solo album Lust for Life. Much of the same personnel from Low returned for "Heroes", augmented by King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp.

<i>Low</i> (David Bowie album) 1977 studio album by David Bowie

Low is the eleventh studio album by the English musician David Bowie, released on 14 January 1977 through RCA Records. The first of three collaborations with producer Tony Visconti and musician Brian Eno that became known as the Berlin Trilogy, the project originated following Bowie's move to France in 1976 with his friend Iggy Pop to rid themselves of their drug addictions. There, Bowie produced and co-wrote Pop's debut studio album, The Idiot, featuring sounds the former would explore on his next record. After completing The Idiot, sessions for Low began at Hérouville's Château d'Hérouville in September 1976 ended in October at Hansa Studios in West Berlin, where Bowie and Pop had relocated.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golden Years (David Bowie song)</span> 1975 song by David Bowie

"Golden Years" is a song by the English musician David Bowie, released by RCA Records on 21 November 1975 as the lead single from his tenth studio album Station to Station (1976). Partially written before Bowie began shooting for the film The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976), the song was mostly compiled in the studio and was the first track completed for the album. Co-produced by Bowie and Harry Maslin, recording took place at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles during September 1975. Due to Bowie's heavy cocaine use, he later recalled remembering almost nothing of Station to Station's production.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Are You Gonna Be My Girl</span> 2003 single by Jet

"Are You Gonna Be My Girl" is a song by Australian rock band Jet from their 2003 debut album, Get Born. It was released as the first single from the album on 18 August 2003 in the United States and on 1 September 2003 in Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Passenger (song)</span> 1977 song by Iggy Pop

"The Passenger" is a song written by Iggy Pop and Ricky Gardiner, recorded and released by Iggy Pop on the Lust for Life album in 1977. It was also released as the B-side of the album's only single, "Success". It was released as a single in its own right in March 1998, reaching number 22 in the UK charts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sound and Vision</span> 1977 song by David Bowie

"Sound and Vision" is a song by the English musician David Bowie. It was released in January 1977 by RCA Records on side one of his 11th studio album Low. RCA later chose it as the first single from the album. Co-produced by Bowie and Tony Visconti, the song was recorded at the Château d'Hérouville in Hérouville, France, in September 1976, and completed at Hansa Studios in West Berlin in October and November. The song began as a simple G major chord progression that Bowie gave to the backing musicians, writing and recording his vocals afterward. It features backing vocals from Brian Eno and Visconti's then-wife Mary Hopkin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let's Dance (David Bowie song)</span> 1983 single by David Bowie

"Let's Dance" is a song written and recorded by the English singer-songwriter David Bowie, originally included as the title track of his 1983 album of the same name. Co-produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic, it was recorded in late 1982 at the Power Station in New York City. With the assistance of engineer Bob Clearmountain, Rodgers transformed the song from its folk origins to a dance number through studio effects and new musicians Bowie had yet to work with. Bowie hired then-unknown Texas guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan, who added a blues-edge.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">China Girl (song)</span> Song by David Bowie and Iggy Pop

"China Girl" is a song written by Iggy Pop and David Bowie in 1976, and first released by Pop on his debut solo album, The Idiot (1977). Inspired by an affair Pop had with a Vietnamese woman, the lyrics tell a story of unrequited love for the protagonist's Asian girlfriend, realizing by the end that his Western influences are corrupting her. Like the rest of The Idiot, Bowie wrote the music and Pop improvised the lyrics while standing at the microphone. The song was released as a single in May 1977 and failed to chart.

"Tonight" is a song written by David Bowie and Iggy Pop for the latter's second solo studio album, Lust for Life (1977). The song was later made into the title-track for Bowie's own album Tonight (1984).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">This Is Not America</span> Song by David Bowie

"This Is Not America" is a song by English singer David Bowie and American jazz fusion band Pat Metheny Group, taken from the soundtrack to the 1985 film The Falcon and the Snowman. It was released as a single in February 1985, reaching number 14 in the United Kingdom and number 32 in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Absolute Beginners (David Bowie song)</span> Song by David Bowie

"Absolute Beginners" is a song written and recorded by English singer-songwriter David Bowie. Released on 3 March 1986, it was the theme song to the 1986 film of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Berlin Trilogy</span> Trilogy of studio albums by David Bowie

The Berlin Trilogy consists of three studio albums by English musician David Bowie: Low, "Heroes" and Lodger (1979). Bowie recorded the albums in collaboration with English musician Brian Eno and American producer Tony Visconti. The trilogy originated following Bowie's move from Los Angeles to Europe with American singer Iggy Pop to rid themselves of worsening drug addiction. Influences included the German krautrock scene and the recent ambient releases of Eno.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hallo Spaceboy</span> Song by David Bowie

"Hallo Spaceboy" is a song by the English musician David Bowie from his 1995 album Outside. It originated as an instrumental by Reeves Gabrels called "Moondust", which Bowie and Brian Eno stripped down and used to form the final track. An industrial rock and electronica number influenced by the Pixies and Nine Inch Nails, the song contains a hypnotic sound, with synthesisers, loops and distorted guitar lines. Lyrically influenced by Brion Gysin, the song contains images of apocalypse and continues the androgynous conundrums of former Bowie songs such as "Rebel Rebel".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Girl Like You (Edwyn Collins song)</span> 1994 single by Edwyn Collins

"A Girl Like You" is a song by Scottish singer-songwriter Edwyn Collins from his third solo studio album, Gorgeous George (1994). The song samples the drum track of Len Barry's single "1-2-3" (1965). It was released as a single in December 1994 and became a worldwide hit, reaching number one in Flanders and Iceland and peaking within the top 10 in several countries, including Australia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. In North America, "A Girl Like You" reached number 16 on Canada's RPM Top Singles chart, number 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 28 on the US Cash Box Top 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Candy (Iggy Pop song)</span> 1990 single by Iggy Pop

"Candy" is a song from Iggy Pop's ninth solo album, Brick by Brick. A duet with Kate Pierson of the B-52's, it was the album's second single, in September 1990. It became the biggest mainstream hit of Pop's career, as he reached the top 40 in the United States for the first and only time. The song additionally peaked within the top 10 in Australia, Belgium and the Netherlands. "I've written one good pop song: 'Candy'," he noted. "It's a very decent, proper pop song, but that's as far as that went."

"Nightclubbing" is a song written by David Bowie and Iggy Pop, first released by Iggy Pop on his debut solo studio album, The Idiot in 1977. It has been since considered "a career highlight", along with "Lust for Life" and has been covered by many artists. It is also extensively featured on other media.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Black Widow (Iggy Azalea song)</span> 2014 single Iggy Azalea song featuring Rita Ora

"Black Widow" is a song by Australian rapper Iggy Azalea featuring British singer Rita Ora. Released through Def Jam Recordings, the song impacted on mainstream radio stations in the US on 8 July 2014, as the fifth single from her debut studio album, The New Classic (2014). It was written by Azalea, Katy Perry, Sarah Hudson, Benny Blanco, and duo Stargate, while the latter also produced the song. Its lyrics chronicle subjects of revenge and feminism in a failed romantic relationship. An accompanying music video for the song was released on 13 August 2014.

References

  1. 1 2 O'Leary 2019, p. 74.
  2. ↑ Seabrook 2008, pp. 146–147.
  3. ↑ Smith, Murray (March 29, 2002). Trainspotting . British Film Institute. p.  71. ISBN   978-0-85170-870-6 . Retrieved October 4, 2015.
  4. ↑ Schiller, Rebecca (June 4, 2018). "100 Best Songs of the 1970s". NME . Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  5. ↑ "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: Iggy Pop, 'Lust for Life'". Rolling Stone. September 15, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
  6. 1 2 Pareles, Jon (January 13, 2016). "Iggy Pop on David Bowie:"He Resurrected Me"". The New York Times . Retrieved January 14, 2016.
  7. ↑ Boilen, Bob (January 15, 2008). "Old Music Tuesdays: The Lust for Life Beat". NPR. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  8. 1 2 Uitti, Jacob (November 14, 2022). "Behind the Spirit-Lifting History and Meaning of "Lust for Life" by Iggy Pop". American Songwriter . Retrieved December 29, 2022.
  9. ↑ Bessemer, Ronald (August 4, 2009). "Rev. of Iggy Pop, Lust for Life". Platomania. Retrieved August 2, 2009.
  10. ↑ "TopPop". School voor Journalistiek. April 22, 2007. Retrieved August 2, 2009.
  11. ↑ Pegg 2016, pp. 177–178.
  12. ↑ "Alternative Top 50" (PDF). Radio & Records . November 1, 1996. p. 84. Retrieved January 17, 2023.
  13. 1 2 "Top RPM Singles: Issue 9930." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  14. 1 2 "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (24.10. – 30.10. '96)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). October 25, 1996. p. 16. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  15. ↑ Trynka 2007, p. 304.
  16. ↑ Ambrose 2004, p. 256.
  17. ↑ Ambrose 2004, p. 187.
  18. ↑ "Various Artists: T2 Trainspotting: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack". Pitchfork .
  19. ↑ "Iggy Pop – Lust for Life" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Iggy Pop – Lust for Life" (in French). Ultratop 50. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Nederlandse Top 40 – Iggy Pop" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Iggy Pop – Lust for Life" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles". Music & Media . Vol. 13, no. 49. December 7, 1996. p. 12.
  24. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Iggy Pop: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 1977" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40 . Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1977" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten 1978" (in Dutch). Ultratop . Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1978" (in Dutch). MegaCharts . Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Árslistinn 1996". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). January 2, 1997. p. 25. Retrieved June 5, 2023.
  31. ↑ "British single certifications – Iggy Pop – Lust for Life". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved March 5, 2023.

Bibliography

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.