Writing On The Wall Ted Nugent

"Writing on the Wall" Lead Vocals Meat Loaf
by Ted Nugent Album: Free-for-All (1976)

Side 1 Track 3
The year my family moved to Flowtown...

Free-for-All is the second studio album by Ted Nugent. It was released in September 1976 by Epic Records, and was his first album to go platinum.

As the recording of Free-for-All commenced, rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist Derek St. Holmes left the band, citing growing personal and creative conflicts with Nugent. Two solid years of living together on the road had taken its toll on the relationship. Additionally, St. Holmes was unhappy with Tom Werman's production, saying that the producer was watering down the band's sound.

A full year before Bat Out of Hell brought him international success, vocalist Meat Loaf was brought in by producer Werman to sing on the album. Meat Loaf was paid the sum of $1,000 for his contributions to the album, which included crafting his vocal arrangements and two days of recording sessions. He says that after he agreed to do the album he was sent a lyric sheet containing just the words with no arrangements. Having no idea what the songs were going to sound like, he then created the vocal arrangements for the songs during the two days of recording.

St. Holmes also sang lead vocal on several of the album's songs, including the single "Dog Eat Dog". He officially returned to the group after Free-for-All's release, and performed on the subsequent tour. Band management asked him to return at the request of Epic Records.

Ted Nugent – lead and rhythm guitar, percussion
Meat Loaf – lead vocals
Rob Grange – bass guitar, bass phase effects
Cliff Davies – drums, percussion, producer

Writing on the Wall
Ted Nugent
Written by: Ted Nugent
Album: Free-For-All
Released: 1976

Racin down the highway
I'd rather have it my way
Gotta have more...
Rules on the roadside
Floor it like a landmine
Keep you on your toes

You head out for the take
What's the fuss your makin
Can't you see the light?
You gotta get down when you roll upon the town
It'll makes you feel alright

My life is a good life to lead
Writing on the wall is a good story to read

You think me a trusting tiger
I know that youýre a liar
Eatin from your hand
Batten down the hotel
Runnin round hell now
Rock and roll band

Runnin helter skelter
Kockem down and belt you
Show me who is the boss
You better treat her sweet
Or you be out in the street
And that would be a loss

My life is a good life to lead
Writing on the wall is a good story to read

Lining up the tour bus
I'm sure they wonýt thank us
Needle in your mouth
But now that we know where to shoot the goods again
Flyin down south

Writin, writing on the wall
Writin, writing on the wall

Racin down the highway
I'd rather have it my way
Gotta have more
Rules on the roadside
Floor it like a landmine
Keep you on your toes

Writin, writing on the wall
Writin, writing on the wall
Writin, writing on the wall
Writin, writing on the wall