Lypswitch - Rock N Roll ain't Pretty - The Story Behind the Song

From the new album Lypswitch - World of Sin
Available From Eonian Records
ORDER NOW!

Written during the Summer of 1988.

The song is about the sacrifices musicians make to be in a band and the misconceptions made about the life of a struggling musician.

It also tells the story of a band member and his girlfriend and how the music and band gets between them.

The song became a battle cry for the band as all four members had the song title tattooed on them.

Rock N Roll ain't Pretty

Music and Lyrics by David Love
Written in 1988 recorded in 2018

You think it’s pretty baby, Rock n Roll ain’t pretty,
And it sure ain’t nice to you.
Now baby your thinking about the city
Long eye lashes and mirrored sunglasses,
Stand by my side,
Or say goodbye,
It might not be right,
But this Rock n Roll, Rock n Roll ain’t nice.

I tell you once and I tell you again,
To please my heart I gotta use my head,
I try and I try to keep us strong,
But baby my music won’t leave me alone.

Rock n Roll ain’t pretty baby,
Why can’t you just see it my way?
Rock n Roll ain’t pretty baby,
You know there is no way for you to save me,
Rock n Roll ain’t pretty baby,
If I had to choose you know your going lose,
Rock n Roll ain’t pretty baby,
And it ain’t nice to you

I see your mouth move baby
but I don’t hear a word you say,
Were dieing and life is such a pity,
I’ll make you smile, but it’ll take a while
Stand by my side,
Or say goodbye,
It might not be right,
But this Rock n Roll, Rock n Roll ain’t nice.

I tell you once and I tell you again,
To please my heart I gotta use my head,
I try and I try to keep us strong,
But baby my music won’t leave me alone.

Rock n Roll ain’t pretty baby,
Why can’t you just see it my way?
Rock n Roll ain’t pretty baby,
You know there is no way for you to save me,
Rock n Roll ain’t pretty baby,
If I had to choose you know your going lose,
Rock n Roll ain’t pretty baby,
And it ain’t nice to you.

About the Recording

Produced and Mixed by Mick O’Brien
Vocals recorded at Flying High Studios - Upland, CA
Guitars and Bass recorded at Bloodline Studios - Orlando, FL
Drums recorded at Club 3450 - Phoenix, AZ

Back in the early days this was the closest the band ever got to writing a ballad.

When recording for the 30 years CD the band decided to make this the epic song of the CD. Guitar tracks were layered both electric and acoustic to create a magical hypnotizing effect.

During the recording of the intro for the 30 Years CD, Danny added in the whispered "Can you hear them...Can you hear them...calling me" this is the band paying homage to the song Beth by Kiss.

This song was also recorded in August of 1989 for the unreleased MCA demo deal recordings along with Psychedelic and City ain't no Place.

Already their upbeat, wild rock sound has spread through the airwaves of Southern California via KNAC 105.5, which has been playing Lypswitch's demo tune "Rattlesnake Skin". Wait any longer and you'll need binoculars to see them from your Coliseum luxury box.

Gena Nason - LA Weekly March 1990

Lypswitch have come a long way from their Orlando, Florida roots, arriving in Southern California two years ago, and graduating to headlining status after sharing stages with the likes of Bang Tango, Love/Hate and Funhouse. They have earned themselves a large and entusiastic following on the local scene.

With such killer songs as "This is my Life", "Foot in the Door", "Rattlesnake Skin", and "Kiss in the Dark" these prophets of what they call "Underground punk funk street rock" are headed to the top.

Wendy Weisberg - BAM Magazine August 10, 1990

Hottest New Group: Lypswitch. They have just enough sex and looks to play the strip, just enough grit, reality, and black leather to play the darker scene.

Concrete Jungle - 1989

A sure bet to sell millions of records it's a wonder that Lypswitch still is unsigned. The band has the material, image and looks required by A&R people to sign a band, hopefully it won't be too long before someone realizes this.

H.R. Long - Rock City News March 1990

Lypswitch have very catchy songs, with good hooks and choruses. This music is very marketable.

Judy Jade - LA Rock Review July 1989

Review of the RnR Rebels and the Sunset Strip Box Set
With 36 bands showcasing two songs each over four discs, ROCK N’ ROLL REBELS & THE SUNSET STRIP is a ridiculously bountiful treasure trove of riches from the third wave of the golden era of the Sunset Strip. In addition to the bands already mentioned, Dallas Dollz, Rough Justice, Cold Shot, Spyder Blue, Lypswitch, Scratch, Longgone and Bad Blood are solid gold guaranteed to get feet tapping, heads banging, and long-gone hair lines and waistlines reminisced about.

Shane Pinnegar - 100 Percent Rock Magazine - Australia - April 2015

Review of the RnR Rebels and the Sunset Strip Box Set

“Sexx On The Sun” — Lypswitch: Hard-driving riffs and an anthemic chorus reminiscent of bands such as GN’R and Poison.

“She's So Psychedelic” — Lypswitch: A punk-fueled rhythm section decorated with an infectious gang-shouted chorus.

Kelley Simms - BraveWords - Canada - April 2015

Lypswitch did their fare share of selling out their headlining gig at the Whisky. They also introduced a new groove with "Kiss in the Dark" offering proof David Love is turning into a vampire

Jessica Black - Crash Magazine 1990