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.
Here I Stand
Dokken Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
'till I come to a higher place
I will find strength - let go
Of all the ties to my disgrace
I'm no more - and no less
Than anyone else
Looking for a new horizon
Chorus
(it's all right) the shadow's gone
(shine your light) with the risin' sun
(it's all right) take me as I am
(yeah yeah yeah) 'cause here I stand
No hesitation - holdin' back
I'll take each step one by one
But I might fall - I could stray
If I loose my eye's today
I'm only one in a crowd
I'm just one voice on the line
Looking for a new horizon
Another place another time
Chorus
(it's all right) the shadow's gone
(shine your light) with the risin' sun
(it's all right) take me as I am
(yeah yeah yeah) 'cause here I stand
Coda: in our hands a light shines
We still wonder
Change our world into sand
We will hunger
Like a child -fears the night-
Draws near it's mother
Like a son -fears no one-
Will cast our shadow forever
'cause here I stand
The lyrics to Dokken's song "Here I Stand" are about rising above hardships and finding strength within oneself. The song speaks to the idea of being just one person in a crowd, but still having the capability to create change and find a new horizon. The singer of the song is determined to overcome any obstacle in their way and move towards a brighter future. The lyrics talk about the possibility of falling or straying from the path, but the singer is resolute in taking each step one by one. The chorus reinforces this idea that no matter what happens, the singer will keep standing, shining their light, and staying true to themselves.
The coda of the song then changes the focus to the collective human experience. It talks about how, as a society, people often wonder and hunger for change. The imagery of a child fearing the night but drawing near its mother and a son fearing no one is used in contrast to the idea of change being frightening. It's a reminder that, even when things seem daunting, people can rely on each other and their own resilience to create a better tomorrow.
Overall, the lyrics to "Here I Stand" are a reflection of the band's journey as musicians and their desire to overcome obstacles in their own lives. The message is one of hope and determination, inspiring listeners to embrace their unique path and persevere.
Line by Line Meaning
I will rise up - over this
I will overcome this situation and move up from where I am presently.
'till I come to a higher place
I will reach a better position than where I am now.
I will find strength - let go
I will discover my inner strength and let go of all the negative feelings within me.
Of all the ties to my disgrace
I will detach myself from all the humiliating things that happened to me.
I'm no more - and no less
I am equal to others and not superior or inferior to anyone.
Than anyone else
Just like everyone else out there.
Looking for a new horizon
I am searching for a new opportunity or a better future.
I can find in myself
I can achieve what I want with my own ability.
(it's all right) the shadow's gone
It's okay now, the dark space of my life has disappeared.
(shine your light) with the risin' sun
I will embrace and enlighten myself with the new beginning of my life.
(it's all right) take me as I am
Accept and appreciate me for who I am and not for what I have.
(yeah yeah yeah) 'cause here I stand
I am confident in myself and ready to face anything that comes my way.
No hesitation - holdin' back
I will move forward without any doubt or fear.
I'll take each step one by one
I will take small, steady steps towards my goal.
But I might fall - I could stray
I understand that there might be obstacles and challenges, but I will not give up.
If I loose my eye's today
If I lose sight of my vision, dreams or purpose.
I'm only one in a crowd
I'm like everybody else in a group, but who stands out for their own beliefs and values.
I'm just one voice on the line
My voice is like others, but my opinions and beliefs are my own.
Another place another time
In a different time or location, things could be different.
Coda: in our hands a light shines
The power to change our life or the world is within us.
We still wonder
We still question our lives, but we keep moving forward.
Change our world into sand
The world can be changed into a better place, just like sand changes with time.
We will hunger
We will strive for success and search for new opportunities.
Like a child -fears the night-
Like a child is scared of darkness, we are afraid of uncertainty.
Draws near it's mother
Seeks comfort and help from someone dependable.
Like a son -fears no one-
When we grow up, we should be fearless and independent.
Will cast our shadow forever
We leave a lasting impact on the people and the world around us.
'cause here I stand
I stand here, confident, and ready to face whatever comes my way.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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