Introduction
“Hell Raiser” is a dynamic track by the British glam rock band Sweet, released in 1973. The song was written by the prolific songwriting duo Nicky Chinn and Mike Chapman, who were instrumental in crafting many of Sweet’s hits during that era.
Upon its release, “Hell Raiser” quickly climbed the charts, reaching number two in the UK and making significant impacts across Europe. This success solidified Sweet’s position as a leading force in the glam rock movement.
The song’s lyrics depict a rebellious and electrifying female figure, characterized as a “hell raiser,” “star chaser,” and “natural born raver.” This portrayal aligns with the glam rock ethos of defiance and flamboyance.
Musically, “Hell Raiser” marked a progression in Sweet’s sound, blending heavy guitar riffs with catchy pop hooks. This fusion showcased the band’s versatility and hinted at the harder rock direction they would explore in subsequent works.
Decades after its release, “Hell Raiser” remains a testament to Sweet’s influential role in rock history, embodying the spirit and energy of the 1970s glam rock scene.
Video
Lyrics
Look out!
Momma let me out on a Saturday night
She said: “Now go out and get her, go and hold her tight”
I said: “Now Momma, you don’t understand, every time I touch her hand
It’s like I’m burning in the fires of Hell
And if I hold it too long, you never can tell
What’ll happen to me, wouldn’t want you to see”
Look out!
She’s a hell raiser, star chaser, trail blazer
Natural born raver, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
She’s a hell raiser, star chaser, trail blazer
Natural born raver, yeah, yeah, yeah
Look out!
She’s like a live bombshell, like a flash out of hell
And when she’s shaking her, ooh, everyone fell at her feet
And that’s neat and she took me completely
By surprise with her ultrasonic eyes
That were flashing like hysterical danger signs
That said beware where you tread or you’ll go out of your head
Look out!
She’s a hell raiser, star chaser, trail blazer
Natural born raver, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
She’s a hell raiser, star chaser, trail blazer
Natural born raver, yeah, yeah, yeah
Look out!
Hell raiser, hell raiser, hell raiser
Hell raiser, hell raiser, ooh
Now Momma, you don’t understand ev’ry time I touch her hand
It’s like I’m burning in the fires of hell
And if I hold her too long you never can tell
What’ll happen to me wouldn’t want you to see
Lookout!
She’s a hell raiser, star chaser, trail blazer
Natural born raver, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
She’s a hell raiser, star chaser, trail blazer
Natural born raver, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Hell raiser
Hell raiser
Hell raiser
Hell raiser
Ooh, lookout!