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.
From The Beginning
Dokken Lyrics
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It might have been things I missed
But don't be unkind
It don't mean I'm lying
When I think a thing or two
I think of lying in bed
But there it is
You see it's all clear
You were meant to be here
>from the beginning
Maybe I might have changed
And not been so cruel
Not been such a fool
Whatever is done is done
I just can't recall
It doesn't matter at all
You see it's all clear
You were meant to be here
From the beginning
From the beginning
From the beginning
The lyrics of "From The Beginning" by Dokken are actually a cover of a song written by Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The song is about reflecting on past mistakes and missed opportunities in a relationship. The first verse suggests that the singer may have missed or misunderstood certain things in the relationship, but that doesn't mean they are lying. As the song continues, the singer expresses regret over being cruel and foolish, but notes that whatever is done is done and they can't change the past. The chorus emphasizes that the other person was meant to be in the relationship from the beginning, despite any missteps or regrets.
The song is a poignant reminder that relationships are messy and flawed, and that hindsight is 20/20. It's easy to look back and see where things went wrong or where we could have done better, but at the end of the day, it's important to remember that everything happens for a reason and that we were meant to be where we are.
Line by Line Meaning
It might have been things I missed
Maybe there were things I overlooked or didn't notice before.
But don't be unkind
Please don't treat me poorly or harshly because of it.
It don't mean I'm lying
Me missing things doesn't equal me being deceitful or dishonest.
When I think a thing or two
Sometimes I contemplate various ideas and thoughts.
I think of lying in bed
This happens when I'm in bed and have some quiet time to myself.
I shouldn't have said
I might have said things before that I shouldn't have.
But there it is
But those words are out there now and can't be taken back.
You see it's all clear
Now it's all become clear to me, and I understand.
You were meant to be here
It seems like you were always supposed to be a part of my life.
From the beginning
Perhaps this was true from the very start, and we were meant to cross paths.
Maybe I might have changed
It's possible I could have done things differently or acted differently.
And not been so cruel
Maybe I could have been kinder or more compassionate to others.
Not been such a fool
Perhaps I would have acted more wisely or sensibly.
Whatever is done is done
Regardless of what might have been, the past can't be changed.
I just can't recall
There are some things from the past that I don't remember clearly.
It doesn't matter at all
But in the grand scheme of things, those things don't really make a difference.
From the beginning
Once again, it seems like our journey together was always meant to be.
From the beginning
This thought is repeated to emphasize the importance and meaning behind it.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: GREGORY LAKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind