Little Green Amp

Album: I Will Be Me (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This raw track pays homage to the amplifier that Dave famously slashed with a razor blade to get the fuzzy sound heard on the Kinks breakthrough hit "You Really Got Me." The rock legend explained that at the time he was slicing up his amp, he was fuming as his parents had forbidden him from seeing his childhood sweetheart, whom was pregnant with his child. "I wanted to write a song that was funny but had something to do with growing up," he explained. "Y'know, this kid, me, could've used the razor blade to cut his wrists because of his separation, but...in the end, used his anger to slice out something new or creative. It's a sort of message: We can use negative impulses to our advantage."

    Sue Sheehan became pregnant by Dave when he was 16. Her scandalized parents sent her away and Dave's longing for her inspired many of his compositions including the single "Susannah's Still Alive." The couple finally was reconciled in 1993 when Dave met his daughter, Tracey, for the first time.

Comments: 1

  • Lgbpop from Florida UsaThis song also gives a passing nod to the song that the Little Green Amp was used on to get the fuzzy, distorted guitar sound - You Really Got Me. Listen to the first five chords - they're the same as in YRGM, but reversed. Just another one of Dave's little "in jokes" that he has used over the years in his solo work.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Wedding Bell Blues

Wedding Bell BluesSong Writing

When a song describes a wedding, it's rarely something to celebrate - with one big exception.

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Queen

QueenFact or Fiction

Scaramouch, a hoople and a superhero soundtrack - see if you can spot the real Queen stories.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Don Brewer of Grand Funk

Don Brewer of Grand FunkSongwriter Interviews

The drummer and one of the primary songwriters in Grand Funk talks rock stardom and Todd Rundgren.

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.