Johnny come lately on a Saturday night
Singing how to go
Backstreet boogie in the house of delight
Where they steal the show
The money come sour but the ladies are sweet
It’s a love affair
Whole place rocking, people stomping their feet
A when the gang’s all there
He gets his woman every night for free
He’s out there rocking like you wouldn’t believe
I sing na, na, na, na, na
Na, na, na, na, na
Johnny like to gamble with his lady Louise
She was a blackjack deuces are wild
He got to thinking ’bout his nose in the breeze
Put it there, Johnny looked and he smiled
He started thinking about the fortune and fame
With the young girls down at his knees
He dug the money but forgot all the names
So he knew just how to appease
Lick and a promise
Lick and a promise
Lick and a promise
He gave the ladies a
Lick and a promise
Lick and a promise
He gave the ladies a
Lick and a promise
Lick and a promise
He gave the ladies a
Lick and a promise
Loose change grubber in his early, early years
Had his poor mama pacing the floors
He grabbed a guitar and a couple of beers
Now the crowd keeps screaming for more
He gets his woman every night for free
He’s out there rocking like you wouldn’t believe
I sing na, na, na, na, na
Na, na, na, na, na
Behind the Swagger of “Lick And A Promise”
“Lick And A Promise” by Aerosmith captures the raw, unfiltered energy of the rock and roll lifestyle. The lyrics follow Johnny, a charismatic figure navigating the nightlife with confidence and charm. The song paints vivid scenes of backstreet gigs, wild crowds, and fleeting romances, highlighting both the allure and the cost of chasing fame. The recurring phrase “lick and a promise” suggests quick, superficial encounters—both onstage and off—hinting at the compromises made in pursuit of stardom. Aerosmith weaves together tales of ambition, fleeting love, and the intoxicating thrill of performance, reflecting the band’s own experiences during their rise to fame.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Steven Tyler, Joe Perry
- Release Year: 1976
- Label: Columbia Records