Jerk

Todd Rundgren

About Jerk

"Cool Jerk" is a song written by Donald Storball and originally performed by The Capitols. Released in 1966, it reached No. 2 on the American Rhythm & Blues Singles chart, No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 9 on the Canadian Singles Chart. The backing track for this song was actually recorded (secretly) by the Motown house band The Funk Brothers, and arranged by Funk Brother Mike Terry. Per one of the Funk Brothers, the song was originally to be called "Pimp Jerk". This was taken from watching neighborhood pimps, who would dance in the clubs, but were too "cool" to do the jerk like regular folks. The producer was afraid that a song with the word pimp in the title would be banned or not receive much positive attention, and had the title changed to its current form. The Go-Go's, The Outsiders, Todd Rundgren, Big Trouble, Human Sexual Response, The La De Das, The Creation, The Tremeloes, and The Coasters have covered the song. Todd Rundgren did his version in an odd time signature (7/4), giving an obviously jerky feel to the song. The Go-Go's covered the song for their 1982 album Vacation and later re-recorded it for their 1990 album Greatest. A demo that pre-dates their Vacation recording was released on their 1994 compilation Return to the Valley of The Go-Go's. 


Year:
2000
4:40
63 
#1

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With friends like these,
Who needs enemies?
With friends like these,
Who needs enemies?
With friends like these,
Who needs enemies?
With friends like these,
With friends like these
I want to grind you down to atoms
Grind you down to atoms
I want to grind you down
Grind you down to atoms
Jerk
Why bother
Jerk
Why bother
Jerk
Why bother
Get you out of my system
I want to pound you down to powder
Pound you down to powder
I want to pound you down to powder
Pound you down to powder

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Todd Rundgren

Todd Harry Rundgren (born June 22, 1948) is an American multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and record producer. Hailed in the early stage of his career as a new pop star, supported by the certified gold solo double LP Something/Anything? in 1972, his career has produced a diverse range of recordings as solo artist, and during the seventies and eighties with the band Utopia. He has also been prolific as a producer and engineer on the recorded work of other musicians. more »

8 fans

Written by: Todd Rundgren

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


25 facts about this song

Release Details
"Jerk" was not released as a single but features on Todd Rundgren's 2017 album "White Knight."
Collaborative Efforts
The song features vocals by singer and songwriter Robyn.
Music Production
The song was produced by Todd Rundgren himself.
Song Genre
"Jerk" integrates various genres such as pop, classical, and soul.
Rundgren's Innovation
Like much of Todd Rundgren's work, "Jerk" showcases an innovative blend of synthesizers and traditional instruments.
Inspirational Points
The song is compared to styles during the 80's era and some elements resemble the stylings of Prince's music.
Emotional Depth
Despite its upbeat tempo, "Jerk" explores areas of emotional tension and self-reflection.
Unique Features
"Jerk" is notable for its exclusive drum beatings and rhythm guitar, attributes to Rundgren's versatile musical skills.
Album Success
Although "Jerk" wasn't a single, "White Knight" charted at No. 5 on Billboard's Independent Albums Chart.
Longevity of Career
"Jerk" demonstrates Todd Rundgren's staying power in the music industry, as he was still producing hits 50 years into his career.
Global Recognition
"Jerk," like many other songs in Rundgren's discography, have found fans not only in his native United States but around the world.
Diverse Musical Styles
Ranging from cultivating electronic soundscapes to incorporating rhythmic rock elements, "Jerk" displays the diverse range of Rundgren's musical influences and styles.
Song Lyrics
The song lyrics reflect on a self-aware narrative of admitting one's own skewed behavioral patterns.
Fans Reaction
The combination of Todd Rundgren and Robyn's voice in "Jerk" became a notable aspect among the fans, indicating a strong connective response.
Rundgren's Persona
The song captures Rundgren's unconventional genre-fusing persona, implying his bold artistic perspective in music-making.
Song Details
"Jerk" is a song by renowned American multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and record producer Todd Rundgren.
Album Facts
The song is off his fifteenth studio album "Second Wind" which was released in 1991.
Live Recording
Unlike other classic studio sessions, "Jerk" along with the other tracks on the "Second Wind" album was recorded live in front of an audience.
Unique Theme
The song "Jerk" is one of the few Todd Rundgren songs that reflect a darker tone, presenting a side of Todd's songwriting that isn't often seen.
Departure from Pop-Rock
"Second Wind" was also a departure from Todd's usual pop-rock style, incorporating more elements of jazz and improvisation.
Collaborative Effort
The album features several session musicians in addition to Rundgren, including saxophonist Bobby Strickland and bassist Kasim Sulton.
Limited Exposure
Despite the creative and experimental elements of "Jerk", it is not one of his best-known tracks given the more niche jazz direction of "Second Wind".
Extensive Discography
"Jerk" is one song among hundreds that Rundgren has released during his extensive career, which spans more than five decades.
Tackling Negative Emotions
The song’s title and lyrics have led to interpretations suggesting Rundgren is commenting on aggression and negative emotions.
Continued Relevance
Despite being released over 30 years ago, "Jerk" continues to be covered and celebrated by fans of Rundgren across the world.

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