Armed And Ready

Album: The Michael Schenker Group (1981)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Co-written with vocalist Gary Bardens, "Armed And Ready" was the first track on the first solo album by Michael Schenker after he left UFO, the eponymous The Michael Schenker Group. Running to 4 minutes 5 seconds, this uptempo track was a show opener; a prelude of what was to come, fans were seldom if ever disappointed.
  • Produced by Roger Glover of Deep Purple fame, it was also released as a single on the Chrysalis label backed by the instrumental "Bijou Pleasurette".

Comments: 2

  • Ed from UsaThis being his first solo after leaving UFO and the Scorpions, it sounds as though he is a tad unsure how his solo career will pan out. This can be seen in the first verse, he is questioning whether the music is "hard enough" "loud enough"

    "Is it hard enough, is it loud enough,"

    and that he needs us now more than ever to enjoy HIS artistic endeavors. This is seen in the line,

    "Got a thing to do, I wanna do for you,"

    The title armed and ready displays his determination to make it all work, inspite of the unforseen variables of the music business and of the fanbase and jumping out to a solo caree can be nerve whacking in and of itself. Also, he is expressing his feelings of freedom from the restrictions of being a member of a band to putting his name out front. This is shown with the line

    "I'm in overdrive, and I feel alive,"

    Anyway.....
  • Marla Hart from Pa, Md, NovaBrilliant masterpiece; one of my all time favorite songs! Michael Schenker you are amazing!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Sarah Brightman

Sarah BrightmanSongwriter Interviews

One of the most popular classical vocalists in the land is lining up a trip to space, which is the inspiration for many of her songs.

Edie Brickell

Edie BrickellSongwriter Interviews

Edie Brickell on her collaborations with Paul Simon, Steve Martin and Willie Nelson, and her 2021 album with the New Bohemians.

Trucking Songs That Were #1 Hits

Trucking Songs That Were #1 HitsSong Writing

The stories behind the biggest hit songs about trucking.

Grateful Dead Characters

Grateful Dead CharactersMusic Quiz

Many unusual folks appear in Grateful Dead songs. Can you identify them?

Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Angelo Moore of FishboneSongwriter Interviews

Fishbone has always enjoyed much more acclaim than popularity - Angelo might know why.

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," Kiss

Director Paul Rachman on "Hunger Strike," "Man in the Box," KissSong Writing

After cutting his teeth on hardcore punk videos, Paul defined the grunge look with his work on "Hunger Strike" and "Man in the Box."