Roth's follow-up work, called 'Skyscraper', came out on January 26, 1988, dividing his fans due to its synthesizer-heavy, pop-fueled style yet having an iconic hit in the upbeat tune "Just Like Paradise". After his solo group's line-up shifted, guitar prodigy Jason Becker (formerly of Cacophony) came into the fold in 1989. Sadly, Becker contracted Lou Gehrig's Disease, and before too long he could no longer play, having only performed on one album (1991's 'A Little Ain't Enough').
Since then, Roth has employed a revolving line-up of musicians in his band. As the 90s went on, the shuffling of performers around him and changing musical tides, styles such as alternative rock becoming far more popular, found Roth's mainstream commercial fortunes diminishing. Still, he kept on touring to his own wild fan-base, and rumors of a reunion between him and his old Van Halen buddies bubbled up again and again.
In 2007, David Lee Roth rejoined Van Halen for a semi-reunion with the Van Halen brothers, along with Eddie Van Halen's son (Wolfgang Van Halen) on bass (replacing Michael Anthony from the original lineup), which lasted into 2008. On December 26, 2011, Van Halen (again with Roth) announced a tour for 2012. In what felt like no time, the rejuvenated outfit released their first album in fourteen years, titled 'A Different Kind of Truth', on February 7, 2012.
Experience
David Lee Roth Lyrics
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From the worst teacher goin'
Experience
That school's too slow
An' I know folks
Smart ones from the city
Who gone and made a life's work
And a decade later
Experience
That's experience for ya
Moves kinda slow
You get off the bus
The same guy that got on 20 years ago
And as I feel it
Is it art or imitating?
'Cause if it's art
Then all my life's been finger painting
Had my best luck, though
With a big easel
I'd rather be an art project, babe
Than just weasel out with wearin' one
And come to suspect the whole experience
Experience, I think I understand
Is it like doin' 90
Her top's down
An' wind's in your beer can
That single moment on a bungee jump
You're down goin' down
You're comin' up now
I think I felt that before
It was kind of an experience
One shining moment lost in time
The one with the showroom shine
Well, I'm sorry girl
Yes, I'm sorry boy
But I feel that way all the time
Till I finally made it
Life was kinda hit or miss
But after I made it
Life was "Take a hit of this"
And I'd love to talk philosophy
But I've gotta take a piss
Man, that philosophy runs right through ya
Take it from me baby
I've got experience
All right
Experience, Do I understand
Is it like doin' a hundred
Her top's down
An' wind's in your beer can
That single moment, babe, on a bungee jump
You're down goin' down
You're comin' up now
Don't look down
That special moment lost in time
The one with the showroom shine
I'm sorry babe
Yes, I'm sorry babe
But I feel that way all the time
In "Experience" by David Lee Roth, the lyrics suggest that life experience is the best teacher, and sometimes it can come from unexpected sources. The singer learned half of what he knows from the "worst teacher going," implying that he may have learned more from mistakes and failures than from traditional education. He also suggests that experience moves slower than one might expect, and that some people who may be considered smart or successful may still struggle after years of trying.
The song seems to celebrate the idea that living and learning through experiences, even if they are difficult, can ultimately lead to growth and self-discovery. The singer mentions wanting to be an "art project" rather than just "weaseling" through life, suggesting a desire to live a creative and unconventional life rather than settling for something safer or more predictable. The chorus repeats the idea of "experience" being like driving fast with the wind in your hair or going on a bungee jump - moments that are thrilling and intense, but also fleeting.
Line by Line Meaning
I learned half of what I know
From the worst teacher goin'
Experience
My knowledge comes from a poor instructor and experience.
That school's too slow
An' I know folks
Smart ones from the city
Who gone and made a life's work
And a decade later
they still do it shitty
Experience
Traditional education is too slow; I know intelligent people who still perform poorly after years of experience.
That's experience for ya
Moves kinda slow
You get off the bus
The same guy that got on 20 years ago
And as I feel it
Is it art or imitating?
'Cause if it's art
Then all my life's been finger painting
Had my best luck, though
With a big easel
I'd rather be an art project, babe
Than just weasel out with wearin' one
And come to suspect the whole experience
Experience, I think I understand
Experience is a slow process that raises questions regarding the difference between art and imitation. Despite doubts, I prefer to be an art project than to doubt myself and the whole process of experience.
Is it like doin' 90
Her top's down
An' wind's in your beer can
That single moment on a bungee jump
You're down goin' down
You're comin' up now
I think I felt that before
It was kind of an experience
Experience can be like feeling the wind in your hair while driving fast or the excitement of a bungee jump that has you falling down and then rising back up. These are moments of experience.
One shining moment lost in time
The one with the showroom shine
Well, I'm sorry girl
Yes, I'm sorry boy
But I feel that way all the time
There are moments in life when everything shines and is perfect, but those moments pass, and everyday life doesn't feel that way. I'm sorry, but that's how it is.
Till I finally made it
Life was kinda hit or miss
But after I made it
Life was "Take a hit of this"
And I'd love to talk philosophy
But I've gotta take a piss
Man, that philosophy runs right through ya
Take it from me baby
I've got experience
Until I became successful, life was unpredictable, but after that, it became about taking risks and enjoying life. Even though I'd love to reflect philosophically, sometimes you just have to take a break. Trust me; I've got experience.
Experience, Do I understand
Is it like doin' a hundred
Her top's down
An' wind's in your beer can
That single moment, babe, on a bungee jump
You're down goin' down
You're comin' up now
Don't look down
That special moment lost in time
The one with the showroom shine
I'm sorry babe
Yes, I'm sorry babe
But I feel that way all the time
Experience is like the feeling of driving fast with the wind in your hair or the exhilaration of bungee jumping. These are special moments that pass, but it's okay because I feel this way often. I'm sorry about that.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID LEE ROTH, TERRY KILGORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind