Kiss Me Deadly – Lita Ford | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#12) & Rock (#40); 1988
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
Fans of hard-edged power rock were accustomed to “big hair,” yet, such tresses rarely capped the head of an axe-wielding female. A welcome exception to the male dominated genre was London’s Lita Ford, who first gained prominence as part of California’s jailbait girl band, the Runaways, which also included Joan Jett and future Bangle Michael “Micki” Steele.
After the Runaways’ time ran out on New Year’s Eve 1978, Lita soldiered on solo. Two years and two non-selling albums later, Lita switched labels and producers.
After a four year hiatus, Lita appeared in 1986, piloted by producer extraordinaire Mike Chapman, whose extensive hit track record included Blondie’s Heart Of Glass and the Knack’s My Sharona.
Leadoff single Kiss Me Deadly and its video, featuring Lita’s sultry good looks, grabbed immediate airplay, and gave Lita her first hit single. Close My Eyes Forever with Ozzy Osbourne made it two in a row, and propelled Lita to platinum level sales.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Mike Chapman
Lyrics Written by:
- Mick Smiley
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).