Search and Destroy

The Stooges, Iggy & the Stooges

About Search and Destroy

"Search and Destroy" is a song by American rock band The Stooges, recorded for the group's third album Raw Power (1973). Lead singer Iggy Pop said that the title was derived from a column heading in a Time article about the Vietnam War. In 1997, "Search and Destroy" (along with the rest of the songs on Raw Power) was remixed and remastered by Pop and Bruce Dickinson. The result was far more aggressive and stripped down than the original release, which had been mixed by David Bowie. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked it No. 468 on their list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". In 2009 it was named the 49th best hard rock song of all time by VH1. 


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I'm a street-walking cheetah with a heart full of napalm
I'm a runaway son of the nuclear A-bomb
I am a world's forgotten boy
The one who searches and destroys

Honey, gotta help me, please
Somebody gotta save my soul
Baby, detonate for me, ow

Look out, honey, 'cause I'm using technology
Ain't got time to make no apology
Solar radiation in the dead of night
Love in the middle of a fire fight

Honey, gotta strike me blind
Somebody gotta save my soul
Baby, penetrate my mind

And I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin', searchin' to destroy
And, honey, I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin' only to destroy, hey

Hey, hey
Hey, hey

Look out, honey, 'cause I'm using technology
Ain't got time to make no apology
Solar radiation in the dead of night
Love in the middle of a fire fight

Honey, gotta strike me blind
Somebody gotta save my soul
Baby, penetrate my mind

And I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin', searchin' to destroy
And, honey, I'm the world's forgotten boy
The one who's searchin', searchin' to destroy

Forgotten boy, forgotten boy
Forgotten boy said, uh
Hey, forgotten boy, said
Hey, hey, hey, hey

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The Stooges

The Stooges (also known as Iggy and The Stooges) are an American rock band from Ann Arbor, Michigan first active from 1967 to 1974, and later reformed in 2003. Although they sold few records in their original incarnation and often performed for indifferent or hostile audiences, the Stooges are widely regarded as instrumental in the rise of punk rock, as well as influential to alternative rock, heavy metal and rock music at large. The Stooges were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. more »

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Written by: James Osterberg, James Williamson

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


7 facts about this song

Recording and Release
"Search and Destroy" was initially recorded by the American rock band, The Stooges, led by Iggy Pop in 1973. The song was later covered by many artists, including renowned British musician David Bowie. - It was first released as part of The Stooges' third studio album "Raw Power" in 1973. - David Bowie's version, however, was released in 2002 as part of his 25th studio album, "Heathen".
Producers
The original version of "Search and Destroy" was co-produced by Iggy Pop and James Williamson. - David Bowie's version of the song was produced by Tony Visconti, a long-time collaborator of Bowie who has worked with him on numerous albums.
Lyrics and Title
"Search and Destroy" was written by Iggy Pop and James Williamson. - The title of the song was reportedly inspired by a Time magazine article that Iggy Pop had read about the Vietnam War.
Music Style
Musically, "Search and Destroy" is frequently recognized as a prototypical example of punk and hard rock. It has been described as destructive and aggressive, reflecting the anti-establishment themes of the era. - Bowie's version of the song leans more towards alternative rock and new wave, with his unique vocal style adding a new dimension to the song.
Critical Reception
The song has often been highly praised by critics and is considered a classic. It's known for its raw energy and confrontational lyricism. - David Bowie's cover of the song has also received positive feedback, with critics applauding his ability to make the song his own while still respecting the original.
Legacy
"Search and Destroy" has since become one of The Stooges' most famous songs. It's often covered by other bands and appears in various media, including films, television shows and video games. - Bowie's version has also left an impact, reaffirming his ability to skillfully reinterpret well-known songs.
Live Performances
The song was a staple in The Stooges live performances. Iggy Pop often performed it with intense energy and theatricality. - David Bowie included the song in his setlist for the 'Heathen tour', rendering his interpretation of "Search and Destroy" live to audiences worldwide.

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