Scorpions Drummer Reveal “Rock You Like A Hurricane” Have An Original NSFW Title
via Scorpions / Youtube
In 1984, the Scorpions released a hit that became an anthem for rock fans everywhere: “Rock You Like a Hurricane.” It’s a song that captures the wild spirit of rock and roll. But did you know that this classic track almost had a very different, not safe for work (NSFW) title? Herman Rarebell, the drummer of the Scorpions at the time and one of the song’s lyricists, shared some surprising details about the original idea behind the song.
The Controversial Origins of an Anthem
According to Rarebell, the initial title was meant to be much more explicit: “Fuck You Like a Hurricane.” This bold choice was quickly shot down by their record label, which found it too shocking. “The record company looked at me and said, ‘You’re completely out of your mind!’ Which I was,” recalls Rarebell. His revelation gives a peek into the band’s creative process and their willingness to push boundaries.
This edgier version of the song title reflects the band’s experiences and influences at the time. Having toured with legendary American rock groups like Foreigner, Aerosmith, and Journey, the Scorpions were inspired to adopt a more direct and hard-hitting approach to their music and lyrics. Herman Rarebell explained, “It was touring with bands like Foreigner and Aerosmith and Journey that taught us. We saw how they wrote, and we learned fast.” This period was a transformative time for the band, shaping their songwriting and musical direction in significant ways.
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Lyrics, Lifestyle, and Changing Norms
Rudolf Schenker, the Scorpions’ guitarist, pointed out that the daring and somewhat controversial lyrics originated from “Herman’s very dirty mind.” The song’s memorable lines, including “The bitch is hungry, she needs to tell/So give her inches and feed her well,” depict a wild and unrestrained lifestyle. These lyrics were autobiographical for Rarebell, reflecting the rock and roll lifestyle of that era. He shared a glimpse into his life back then, saying, “I would open the curtains in the morning after partying all night to let the sun come in. The question [to whoever he woke up with] was always, ‘And what is your name?’ For me it was a wild time – it really was sex and drugs and rock ’n’ roll.”
Herman Rarebell also commented on how society’s norms and what’s considered acceptable in music have evolved over the years. He noted, “It makes you laugh. There are all these songs that go, ‘Motherfucker, asshole … ’ – they would never have been played in America back then. Now you could release it as ‘Fuck You Like a Hurricane’ and nobody would give a shit.” This observation sheds light on the changing landscape of music and censorship.
Even though the song’s title was ultimately made more radio-friendly, “Rock You Like a Hurricane” remains a testament to a time of experimentation and rebellion in rock music. The Scorpions’ decision to tone down the title didn’t diminish the song’s impact; it became one of their biggest hits and a staple of rock playlists around the world.
After over five decades of making music, ranking the Scorpions’ albums is no simple task. Their long career is a journey through the evolution of rock music, with “Rock You Like a Hurricane” standing out as a landmark moment. The story behind the song’s original NSFW title adds an intriguing layer to its history, showcasing the band’s spirit of defiance and their commitment to capturing the essence of rock and roll, no matterhow provocative it might seem.
