No Way Out

Album: No. 4 (1999)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a rather despondent song, where the singer feels he can't escape. Lead singer Scott Weiland revealed that many of his lyrics were inspired by his battles with drug addiction and his personal demons.

    A song about feeling that there's no escape titled "No Way Out" would have been very much the thoughts of lead man Weiland, having served time on drug charges. STP guitarist Dean DeLeo (who was also this song's co-writer), in an interview while Weiland was incarcerated, stated that in all probability "the judge saved his life."

    Weiland's struggles continued, and the band had to cancel a planned tour to promote the album, which still sold over a million copies. He later recorded with Velvet Revolver and with his band, The Wildabouts, but was never able to shed his demons completely. On December 3, 2015, he was found dead on his tour bus.
  • The video was made by having 400 radio station contest winners videotape a private concert of the band performing this. Footage from the tapes was edited together to form the video. The band wanted their fans to make their video because they were fed-up with the state of music videos, which they felt were shallow and formulaic.
  • MTV banned the first video the group submitted due to excessive nudity. It had to be re-edited.

Comments: 6

  • Seth from Hebron, KySounds like a stage fright song or paparazzi.
  • Kevin from Calgary, CanadaIf anyone makes a post where they don't express their views on the meaning of the song "ill (sic) destroy the world."

    The lyrics fit the idea of drug use.
  • Alex from Madrid, SpainBest performance ever by a rock singer, male or female. WEILAND ROCKS!!!
  • Tom from Auckland, New Zealandonly stone temple pilot song i dont like...
  • Randy from Houston, TxMike, you just jinxed your own mandate. This song feels like the Core days. Good stuff.
  • Mike from Mckinney, TxKiller song, if anyone adds that this is about his addiction, ill destroy the world.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Butch Vig

Butch VigSongwriter Interviews

The Garbage drummer/songwriter produced the Nirvana album Nevermind, and Smashing Pumpkins' Gish and Siamese Dream.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.