Tenacious D's music showcases Black's theatrical vocal delivery and Gass' acoustic guitar playing abilities. Their songs discuss the duo's purported musical and sexual prowess, as well as their friendship and cannabis usage. Their debut self-titled album features absurd and humorous sketches. Music critics have compared the storyteller-style lyrics of their songs to lyrics of rock opera. In addition, they have since recorded two albums, and starred in their own movie, Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny.
Black and Gass, at the time respectively aged 16 and 24, met in Edinburgh, Scotland during the Edinburgh Fringe of 1989. Both were members of the Los Angeles-based theatre troupe, The Actors' Gang which was performing Tim Robbins and Adam Simon's play Carnage. Initially Black and Gass did not get on as Gass felt threatened by Black - as he was the main musician for the Actor's gang - but they eventually worked out their differences, and agreed to form a band. Gass taught Black to play guitar, in exchange for Black's helping him with his acting.
Initially, Black and Kyle covered songs by Bobby McFerrin. Later they chose the name "Tenacious D" - a name derived from a term used by sports commentator Marv Albert about the tenacious defense of the NBA's New York Knicks - decided by the audience of the band's first live show, in 1994 at the now defunct Al's Bar. Other possibilities had included "Pets or Meat", "Balboa’s Biblical Theatre" and "The Axe Lords Featuring Gorgazon’s Mischief", which Gass described as being his personal favorite. In attendance was David Cross who later cast Tenacious D in his sketch comedy television series, Mr. Show.
TV series:
David Cross, with the writer Bob Odenkirk from Mr Show, continued his involvement with Tenacious D by producing three half-hour shows based on the band. The series, entitled Tenacious D, premiered in 1997, immediately following an episode of Mr. Show. While a total of three episodes consisting of two shorts, ten to twelve minutes in length, were produced, only the first was aired that year; the final two episodes did not air until the summer of 2000. The series was canceled after, according to Gass, HBO offered Tenacious D ten episodes, but in doing so, they would have to relinquish their role as executive producers. Gass and Black decided to make a movie instead. Many songs that eventually were included on the band's first album were first featured on the show, though the episodes also contain songs that remain unreleased.
The six shorts were titled "The Search for Inspirado", "Angel in Disguise", "Death of a Dream", "The Greatest Song in the World", "The Fan", and "Road Gig". After the series aired, the band continued to perform. At a show at the Viper Room in Los Angeles, they met Dave Grohl, who remarked that he was impressed with their performance; this led to their cameo in the Foo Fighters' "Learn to Fly" music video. The popularity of Tenacious D further increased as they began to open for high profile acts, including Beck, Pearl Jam, and Foo Fighters.
Lyrics and themes:
The Devil CardSatire and comedy are a major aspect of Tenacious D's lyrical content. Gass said of their approach: "I'd love to do the straight music thing, but that's kind of against our mission, which is to rebel against the serious singer-songwriter mentality." Their songs evoke heavy metal clichés of bands like Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. In particular, the song "Dio" pokes fun at the idea of a torch being passed "Now it's time for him to pass the torch" Songs like "Friendship" parody the lack of real friendship in rock groups with the lyric "As long as there's a record deal, we'll always be friends" Other songs cover the topic of sex; "Kielbasa" discusses anal sex, while "Double Team" boasts of the duos sexual prowess. Tenacious D also employs the technique of deliberate backmasking on "Karate", a technique synonymous with bands like Slayer, who recorded a message in Hell Awaits.. The band's imagery also continues the theme of evil. The front cover of Tenacious D features Black and Gass standing naked below the Devil. Black described it as he and Gass being "schooled by Satan". The pose is similar to that shown on the Devil tarot card. The Devil card signifies sexual desire, uncontrolled energy, vice and addiction.
Tenacious D's music has been criticized for its frequent use of profanity. In addition, other critics have described the band as having exhausted the joke of "cock rock".
Influences:
Black has said that the first song he enjoyed was ABBA's "Take a Chance on Me". He attributes influences from Dio, Black Sabbath, Meat Loaf and Bobby McFerrin. Gass describes their influences as being derived from "big dinosaurs of rock" such as Led Zeppelin. In addition, Gass lists his influences as being Tom Waits, Tony Hawk and Tony Robbins. The band claimed that the inspiration for the song "Tribute" came after Black played Metallica's "One" for Gass, describing it as "the best song in the world", leading to a failed attempt to themselves write an even better song.
Gass has described Tenacious D's comic assertion that they are the best band as being "ridiculous because it's a matter of opinion". Black characterizes Tenacious D's comic nature as an antidote to "the masculinity of rock", adding "There's also something funny about the macho-ness of rock. Like the bands that are the fucking hardest rocking are like, 'We'll fucking kick your ass, dude... with our rock.'"
Tenacious D is featured in the highly anticipated video game "Guitar Hero III". `The Metal' is prominently featured in the game's trailer released at E3 2007.
Tenacious D also did backing vocals on the Styx song "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye". It can be found on the album "Cyclorama" from 2003.
They were included in Rock Band 2 with their song "Master Exploder".
In October of 2009 Jack Black starred as roadie Eddie Riggs in the open world video game Brütal Legend by Double Fine Productions on the XBOX 360 and Playstation 3.
I've Got To Go
Tenacious D Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Okay! Your lucky day Jack Black, you're getting on the ship
Kyle Gass, I'm sorry
You're not gonna make it too
We're not blaming you
We're gonna bring only half, and uh, that is the en-
Wait, wait
I fucking shoot you now!
You fucking, you fucking savage!
No c'mon! We're a pair- team, we go together
Dude! Fuck! This fucking sucks!
He wants me, but not you? That's fucking bullshit!
Wait, why would he just want one of us?
Dude! Let me tell you something, let me tell you something right now
Yeah, yeah?
Fuck that guy
I'm gonna go, but here's-
What!? You're gonna go?
Now let me just tell you, let me tell you why I'm gonna go
And leave me down here? What am I supposed to do?
With a fucking three-headed dog?
Yeah, but I'm not fucking what he thinks I am
I'm going as a spy bro
I'm going in there
I'm gonna infiltrate- the revolush- the revolution starts from inside bro
I go in- hear me out
I go in
I fuckin' c-c-c-check out out the joint
I scope the joint
I figure out what makes them tick and then I fucking get you a ticket
I don't like this plan
I get you a ticket!
Where are you gonna find me!? You're in space!
Kage, I'm sorry
I've got to go!
No! No! Don't go!
Hope, come here boy
Hope, come here!
Hope, where are you going?
Hope, boy, come back! Come here! Hope!?
I've lost Hope
The lyrics in Tenacious D's song "I've Got To Go" depict a conversation between the two band members, Jack Black and Kyle Gass. The song starts with Jack expressing surprise and admiration for being given the opportunity to board a ship, while expressing sympathy that Kyle won't be able to join. However, their conversation quickly takes a dark turn when Jack threatens to harm Kyle, causing tension and confusion.
Jack then questions why there isn't room for both of them, considering they are a team. He is frustrated and angry that he is being chosen over Kyle, expressing his disbelief and anger towards the person who made this decision. Kyle is hurt and confused, feeling abandoned and left to deal with challenging circumstances alone.
As the conversation continues, Jack reveals his true intention for leaving. He plans to go undercover as a spy inside the ship, trying to understand the inner workings and motivations of the people on board. He promises to find a way to bring Kyle along once he understands what is happening. However, Kyle is skeptical and doesn't like this plan, feeling betrayed and abandoned.
The song ends tragically, with Jack apologizing to Kyle, but firmly stating that he must go. Kyle pleads for him to stay, but it is clear that Jack has made up his mind. The mention of "Hope," which could be a dog or a metaphorical representation of something they hold onto, further emphasizes the sense of loss and hopelessness that Kyle is experiencing as Jack leaves him behind.
Overall, the lyrics explore themes of sacrifice, betrayal, and the desire to fight for a cause even if it means leaving loved ones behind. It showcases the complex emotions and conflicts that can arise within relationships when faced with difficult choices and uncertain circumstances.
Line by Line Meaning
Wow! Um, I have to say I'm pretty impressed
I must admit, I am quite amazed
Okay! Your lucky day Jack Black, you're getting on the ship
Alright, Jack Black, today is your fortunate day as you are being allowed on the ship
Kyle Gass, I'm sorry
Apologies, Kyle Gass
You're not gonna make it too
Unfortunately, you will not be able to join
We're not blaming you
We do not hold you responsible
We're gonna bring only half, and uh, that is the en-
We have decided to bring only a portion, that is the conclusion
Wait, wait
Hold on, hold on
I fucking shoot you now!
I am extremely frustrated with you now!
No! Is there no room for two?
Is it not possible for both of us to come?
You fucking, you fucking savage!
You savage!
No c'mon! We're a pair- team, we go together
Come on! We are a duo, we do things together
Dude! Fuck! This fucking sucks!
Oh man! This situation is terrible!
He wants me, but not you? That's fucking bullshit!
He desires me but not you? That is unfair nonsense!
Wait, why would he just want one of us?
Hold on, why would he prefer only one of us?
Dude! Let me tell you something, let me tell you something right now
Listen, I have something important to tell you immediately
Yeah, yeah?
Do go on
Fuck that guy
Disregard that individual
I'm gonna go, but here's-
I am going, however, here is
What!? You're gonna go?
What!? You are going to leave?
Now let me just tell you, let me tell you why I'm gonna go
Allow me to explain why I have decided to depart
And leave me down here? What am I supposed to do?
And abandon me here? What should I do in this situation?
With a fucking three-headed dog?
In the company of a three-headed dog, no less
Yeah, but I'm not fucking what he thinks I am
Yes, but I am not what he believes me to be
I'm going as a spy bro
I am going undercover, my friend
I'm going in there
I am entering that place
I'm gonna infiltrate- the revolush- the revolution starts from inside bro
I will penetrate and become a part of the revolution, for true change begins from within, my friend
I go in- hear me out
I enter- please listen to what I have to say
I fuckin' c-c-c-check out out the joint
I thoroughly assess the establishment
I scope the joint
I carefully examine the location
I figure out what makes them tick and then I fucking get you a ticket
I determine their motivations and then secure a means of entry for you
I don't like this plan
I am not fond of this plan
I get you a ticket!
I obtain a ticket for you!
Where are you gonna find me!? You're in space!
Where will you discover me!? You are in outer space!
Kage, I'm sorry
Kage, my apologies
I've got to go!
I must leave!
No! No! Don't go!
No! No! Please do not leave!
Hope, come here boy
Hope, come here, my dear companion
Hope, come here!
Hope, come here!
Hope, where are you going?
Hope, where do you intend to go?
Hope, boy, come back! Come here! Hope!?
Hope, my dear, please come back! Come here, Hope!?
I've lost Hope
I have lost all hope
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kyle Richard Gass, Thomas Jacob Black
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@traca1998
Can't wait for 2nd season!!!! You guys somehow outdid yourselves, fcking keep rocking! \m/ Hugs from Spain <3
@rachaelcease5429
Seriously, this is so brilliant, stay young at heart everybody!🤓
@deicidedave
Seriously this is mind numbing bullshit
@RareHarmony
@David A This is why no one invites you to parties.
@deicidedave
@RareHarmony good one? Please don't invite me to a party with this shit lmao
@RareHarmony
@David A No worries there. Go back to Lady Gaga.
@deicidedave
@RareHarmony your comebacks are as bad as your musical interests
@stevenross5271
tenacious d are rock gods
@Insaneinthemembrane101
Why has this been taken off Spotify
@greje656
"let me tell you something, let me tell you something. Fuck that guy. I'm gonna go"