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.
Letter to Home
Dokken Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mother dear I've got to go
Find my way out in the world
Somethin's callin' me and I can't stay
As the leaves are fallin' down
Soon the snow upon the ground
Hope you'll understand why I can't stay
Waiting for the sun
When I start to run
Waiting for.......
Though I'm young not quite a man
I'll try and do the best I can
Duty calls my friends are all aboard
Feel the wind across my face
Standing ready all in place
On the trigger I'll become a man
Waiting for the sun
See the people falling down
Crimson colors all around
Tryin' to make it to the higher ground
Mother dear I had to go
Find my way out in the world
Sorry but I won't be coming home
Waiting for the sun
The song "Letter to Home" by Dokken is a heartfelt and poignant track about leaving home to explore the world and find one's place in it. The lyrics express the singer's desire to leave home and embark on a journey into the unknown. He feels an urgency to go and cannot stay, even though he acknowledges that his mother will miss him. The images of falling leaves and snow on the ground suggest that this is an autumnal departure, perhaps symbolizing the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood.
The chorus "Waiting for the Sun" seems to suggest a sense of anticipation and hope that brighter days are ahead. The singer is not quite a man yet but is ready to face the challenges ahead and do his duty. The imagery of standing ready on the trigger suggests that this could be a military or law enforcement context, which was a common theme in 1980s rock music.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become darker and more ominous, as the singer sees people falling around him and tries to make it to higher ground. The final verse suggests that the singer will not be coming home and apologizes to his mother for leaving. The song ends on a somber note, with the repeating chorus "Waiting for the Sun" perhaps suggesting that there is still hope for a brighter future despite the sadness of leaving.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother dear I've got to go
The singer is informing their mother that they have to leave and go out into the world.
Find my way out in the world
The singer needs to find their purpose and path in life beyond their current surroundings.
Somethin's callin' me and I can't stay
There is a strong urge within the singer that they must follow regardless of what it may cost them in the end.
As the leaves are fallin' down
The artist is leaving during the autumn season, signifying the end of a cycle or chapter in life.
Soon the snow upon the ground
Winter is coming, a time of darkness and uncertainty, and the artist knows their departure will be challenging.
Hope you'll understand why I can't stay
The singer is seeking their mother's approval, but ultimately knows that they must make their own decisions and stand by them.
Though I'm young not quite a man
The singer is still in the process of growing up and is not yet fully independent or mature.
I'll try and do the best I can
The artist is making a promise to themselves and their loved ones to make the most out of their journey, while acknowledging their limitations.
Duty calls my friends are all aboard
The artist has a sense of responsibility and loyalty to their peers, who may also be going on their own journey.
Feel the wind across my face
The artist is embracing the sensation of freedom and adventure that comes with travelling into the unknown.
Standing ready all in place
The singer is prepared for any challenge that may come their way, and is willing to face them head on.
On the trigger I'll become a man
The artist is asserting their masculinity by taking control of their life and making their own decisions.
See the people falling down
The world can be a dangerous and unpredictable place, and the singer is witnessing the harsh realities of life.
Crimson colors all around
Violence and bloodshed are prevalent in the world, and the singer is seeing the aftermath of it firsthand.
Tryin' to make it to the higher ground
People are struggling to survive and overcome their circumstances, and the singer may also face similar challenges.
Sorry but I won't be coming home
The artist is saying goodbye to their past life and their loved ones, and is committed to moving forward without regrets.
Waiting for the sun
The artist is eagerly anticipating a new dawn, a fresh start where they can leave their troubles behind and embrace new opportunities.
Contributed by Peyton A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.