Well, well, well…
Some “controversial” lyrics from the pen of one Steven A. Tallarico, aka Steven Tyler? Naw, not him. Well in the mid-Seventies, Aerosmith got big. I mean real big! They became one of the biggest selling acts in North America. And along with the fame and success comes excess.
above: back in the saddle, Perry and Elyssa Jerret
In fact, there was so much excess, it was part of the fuel for a lot of tensions between the band and some of the band wives!
Supposedly, the lyrics were about Elyssa Jerret, Joe’s first wife, who was there from the beginning. I mean she knew them pre-Aerosmith. Steven Tyler wrote most of the band’s lyrics, and he was coked out of his brains during that time period! I think they all were. Steven liked Elyssa, but she married Joe. “Sweat Hog mama with a face like a gent” is a reference to her. It’s probably safe to assume that Steven’s fascination with Elyssa has some merit to it.
The first breakup of the band occurred at Cleveland Municipal Stadium backstage after she dumped a glass of milk on Terry Hamilton’s head (bassist Tom Hamilton’s wife)! Haha.