Dokken was initially composed of founder Don Dokken on vocals, George Lynch on lead guitar, Juan Croucier on bass, and Mick Brown on drums. The southern California group pursued a heavy yet melodic sound reminiscent of prior bands such as Iron Maiden and Judas Priest, finding success in the 80s hard rock and metal boom. The band recorded and released 'Breaking the Chains', their first studio album, in 1983. Though their fortunes struggled somewhat in the United States, they picked up a big popular response in Europe.
In 1984, Croucier left Dokken in order to join Ratt. He was replaced by multi-instrumentalist Jeff Pilson, who soon became a rock idol alongside Don Dokken and George Lynch. Their next several albums and singles showed them to be a powerful commercial force, particularly winning fans with their music videos (their one for "Dream Warriors" even featured the band facing off against Freddy Krueger himself). Their 1988 live album 'Beast from the East' earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance as well. However, Don Dokken's and George Lynch's creative differences, as well as their growing personal conflicts, brought about tension and even caused the group to break-up in 1988, though they had released multi-platinum work appealing to numerous hard rockers and metalheads.
The band has faced many changes over the years since. It wasn't until 1995 that the group resurfaced and released new material, facing a rather tepid response. As time went on, only Dokken and Brown remained from the original line-up. After several personnel alterations on guitar, Dokken's former attorney Jon Levin even stepped in to fill the role in 2004. In 2009, Sean McNabb (formerly of Great White and Quiet Riot fame) took the bass guitar slot. Mark Boals (formely of Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force) then took McNabb's position in 2014.
A series of successful web commercials for Norton Internet Security 2010 put the group back in the spotlight, the comedic spots depicting the band as a malicious computer virus. Dokken's tenth studio album, titled 'Lightning Strikes Again', was released on May 13, 2008 via Rhino Records. Several critics recommended the work as a comeback to their 'classic' sound. Their 11th album was released in 2012, 'Broken Bones'.
In 2023, Dokken, now consisting of frontman and founder Don Dokken, guitarist Jon Levin, bassist Chris McGarvill and drummer BJ Zampa, unveiled 12th album, 'Heaven Comes Down', which will be released via Silver Lining Music on October 27, 2023.
Care for You
Dokken Lyrics
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Tried to find myself and get it right
Did you see the changes in my eyes
Riding on the wind you know it cries
When you need some one, it's hard to let them go
When you know that their the one
When you feel your hope is gone
Even though your gone, I taste your tears
You think it would have passed after all these years
Though you find away, every night I think of you
I hope your sleeping well
When you need some one
When your heart's alone
When you feel your hope has gone
Know that I still care for you
When I feel you close to me
Even though it's just a dream
Please forgive that I still care
When your loneliness is there
I still think of you, care for you
Waiting for
After all this time has gone
I still feel you in my arms
And when you need some one
Know that I still care for you
As I walked along the beach last night
Tried to find my self and get it right
If you saw the changes in my eyes
Would you come back
The lyrics to Dokken's song "Care for You" explore the theme of lost love and the struggle to let go of someone who was once an essential part of one's life. The singer reflects on a past relationship, acknowledging that although the person they lost is no longer physically present, they still think of them every night and taste their tears. Moreover, the lyrics suggest that the singer has tried to move on and find themselves, but they still haven't been able to forget the person they lost.
The chorus of the song offers comfort and reassurance to the person whom the singer has lost. The singer acknowledges that when someone needs someone else, it is challenging to let them go, and when a person's heart is alone, it's even harder. Therefore, the singer offers a message of hope and care for the lost lover, letting them know that even though they are not together, the singer still cares for them and will be there for them.
In essence, "Care for You" is an emotional ballad that explores the complexity of love and relationships, highlighting the challenges of letting go and moving on. The song's lyrics suggest that the singer still hopes for reconciliation with the lost lover, and their love and care persist even after all these years.
Line by Line Meaning
As I walked along the beach last night
The singer is searching for answers and clarity, likely related to a past relationship, as he walks on the beach.
Tried to find myself and get it right
The singer is attempting to figure out who he is and how to make peace with his past mistakes so he can move forward.
Did you see the changes in my eyes
The singer is wondering if his former partner can see that he's changed and grown as a person since their breakup.
Riding on the wind you know it cries
The wind is a symbol for pain and sadness, perhaps representing the emotional turmoil the artist feels while trying to find himself.
When you need some one, it's hard to let them go
The artist recognizes that it's difficult to move on from someone you need, even if it's for the best.
When you know that their the one
The singer believes that his former partner was truly the one for him, despite the breakup.
When you feel your hope is gone
The singer understands what it's like to feel hopeless and lost after a breakup.
Know that I still care for you
The artist wants his former partner to know that, even though they are no longer together, he still cares for her and wishes her well.
Even though your gone, I taste your tears
The artist still feels the pain of his former partner's tears, even though she is no longer with him.
You think it would have passed after all these years
The artist acknowledges that it's been a long time since the breakup, yet he still feels the same emotions and pain as he did in the beginning.
Though you find away, every night I think of you
Even though the singer knows his former partner has moved on, he still thinks of her every night.
I hope your sleeping well
The artist expresses concern for his former partner's well-being, even though they are no longer together.
When your heart's alone
The singer recognizes the pain of feeling alone and heartbroken.
When you feel your hope has gone
The singer understands how it feels to lose hope and not see a way out of the pain.
When I feel you close to me
The singer still longs to feel close to his former partner, even if it's only in his dreams.
Even though it's just a dream
The artist acknowledges that his dreams of his former partner are not reality, yet they still bring him comfort.
Please forgive that I still care
The artist is asking for forgiveness from his former partner for still caring about her and wanting the best for her.
When your loneliness is there
The singer understands the pain of feeling lonely and is willing to be there for his former partner, even if it's just as a friend.
I still think of you, care for you
The singer wants his former partner to know that, even though they are no longer together, he still thinks of her and cares for her.
Waiting for, after all this time has gone
The artist is still waiting for a chance to reconnect with his former partner, even though a lot of time has passed.
I still feel you in my arms
The artist still remembers how it felt to hold his former partner and longs for that feeling again.
And when you need someone
The artist wants his former partner to know that he is still there for her if she needs someone to talk to or to offer support.
Know that I still care for you
The singer wants his former partner to know that, even though they are no longer together, he still cares for her and wishes her well.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Mick Brown, Don Dokken, Kelly Keeling, Jonathan Daniel Levin
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind