Soundgarden

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I'm sitting in a magic hat with smoke and mirrors
And tire-rubber fires watch me disappear, yeah
And what made it slow you down sucking on a ball and chain
Another motherfucker down the drain, yeah

[Chorus]
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)

[Verse 2]
Sick in the head, sick in the mouth, can't hear a word you say
Not a bit, and I don't give a shit, yeah
Got the glass, got the steel, I got everything
And all I need is your head on a stake, yeah

[Chorus]
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Just add it up (To the hot rod death toll)
[Bridge]
Hard-headed, fuck you all (Hard-headed)
Hard-headed, fuck you all (Hard-headed)

[Chorus]
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
Hard-headed, fuck you all
(Just add it up to the hot rod death toll)
(To the hot rod death toll)
(Hot rod death toll)
(Hot rod death toll)
(Hot rod death toll)

[Outro]
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Soundgarden, a highly influential grunge band from Seattle, released their fifth studio album Down on the Upside in 1996 before breaking up in 1997. The last single from that album, "Ty Cobb" is a fast-paced, heavy song that features mandolins and copious swearing.

About Ty Cobb

The song's title references a controversial figure in the history of baseball, Ty Cobb. A legendary player, Cobb is known for his skill on the field, but his aggressive demeanor also earned him a reputation as a surly and abusive player. His career, which spanned from 1905 to 1928, included many controversial incidents, such as a fight with a disabled fan and alleged racism.

Originally titled "Hot Rod Death Toll," the song's lyrics are a commentary on the darker aspects of Cobb's personality. The song paints a picture of a man with a volatile personality who is driven by a desire to win at all costs, even if it means resorting to extreme measures. The mandolin-driven sound creates a sense of frenzied energy that matches the intensity of the lyrics.

Although the lyrics are critical of Cobb's behavior, the band members have stated that they did not intend to malign him personally. Rather, they were using his personality as a lens through which to explore some of the darker aspects of human nature. Nevertheless, the decision to reference Cobb in the title and lyrics caused some controversy, with some fans and critics accusing the band of being tasteless.

Despite the controversy, "Ty Cobb" remains one of Soundgarden's most popular songs. Its unusual sound and multi-layered lyrics have won it a devoted following among the band's fans, who appreciate its ability to capture the complexities of a controversial historical figure.

There are several theories about the origin of the song's original title, "Hot Rod Death Toll." Some fans speculate that it may have been inspired by the 1950s film "Hot Rod Rumble," which features a scene in which a car crashes and kills several people. Others suggest that the title was simply an attempt to convey the sense of danger and excitement that Cobb's personality evoked.

Regardless of its origin, "Ty Cobb" continues to be a song that inspires conversation and debate among music fans. Its mix of unusual instrumentation, heavy lyrics, and cultural reference points has made it an enduring favorite among fans of grunge and alternative rock.

For those who are unfamiliar with Soundgarden's music, "Ty Cobb" is an excellent introduction to the band's style. With its heavy sound and intense lyrics, the song captures the raw energy and emotional intensity that are the hallmarks of grunge music.

Ultimately, what makes "Ty Cobb" such a fascinating song is its ability to capture the contradictions and complexities of human nature. Like Cobb himself, the song is both aggressive and introspective, exploring the dark corners of the psyche while also celebrating the triumphs of the human spirit. It is a song that inspires reflection, debate, and a deeper understanding of the many facets of human experience.

• Release Date: May 21, 1996
• Artist: Soundgarden