We're dropping the term "Dreadmill" from our song of the week posts and replacing it with "Running." The term "dreadmill" can be confusing to those not familiar with it and "running" is more generic and makes more sense to use for these posts.
The Ramones formed in Queens, New York in 1974. Joey, Tommy, Dee Dee and Johnny Ramone were not related, but adopted the pseudonym surname "Ramone" apparently in reference to Paul McCartney's pseudonym "Paul Ramon" in the "Silver Beatles" days.
The band's commercial success was limited although their influence on punk rock music has lasted for decades, even inspiring a Christian band, The Huntingtons to create a Ramones tribute album, File Under Ramones, in 1999 (on Tooth & Nail Records).
Blitzkrieg Bop was the group's first single released in 1976 and is still by far the song most recognized and most associated with the Ramones. It's "Hey-ho let's go!" opening has been used in TV commercials, as radio bumper music and as background music to sporting events everywhere.
It's not especially clear what the lyrics are referencing - especially with Dee Dee Ramone changing the lyrics originally penned by Tommy Ramone from "shout it in the back now" to "shoot 'em in the back now" and the song's title from "Animal Hop" to "Blitzkrieg Bop" - which gives the song a little more of a dark tone. It is thought, however that the lyrics are just talking about having fun at a concert.
The music though, is upbeat and quick - perfect for running to!
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