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.
Paris Is Burning
Dokken Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Decadence and sin
You were my woman
Why'd you have to be so hard and cold
[Chorus]
Paris is burning
Want to see it from afar
Want to get to where you are
My life's in ruin
The girl I love
She's far away
The distant fire
Brings memories of the love
That I once knew
Where are you now
Been looking all around
And I can't stay
Help me now
I can't stay
Much more before I fade away
[Chorus]
I can't believe
You'd throw it all away
You know you played me for a fool (huh)
I'm leavin' now
This time you know
That I'll be gone for good, yeah
Paris is burning, Paris
Paris is burning
Paris is burning
I can see it from afar
Paris is burning
Paris
In Dokken's song Paris is Burning, the lyrics delve into feelings of despair and heartbreak. The town the singer is currently in can't take any more decadence and sin, and he reflects on his lost love. He questions why she had to be so hard and cold towards him. The chorus talks about how he wants to go to where his love is, but the love he once knew only brings back memories. He has been looking for her everywhere, but he can't stay much longer before he fades away.
The bridge talks about how he can't believe she would throw everything they had away and play him for a fool. He's leaving now, and this time he's gone for good. The song ends with the chorus repeating "Paris is burning" showing how the singer cannot escape his desire to be with his lost love.
Line by Line Meaning
This town I'm in can't take no more
The town is filled with immorality and cannot handle it anymore.
Decadence and sin
There is a prevalence of sinful and hedonistic behavior.
You were my woman
Referring to a past romantic relationship.
Why'd you have to be so hard and cold
The ex-partner was difficult and indifferent in their interactions.
[Chorus]
Recurring lyrics of the song.
My life's in ruin
The singer's life is in shambles.
The girl I love
Referring to the same ex-partner from earlier.
She's far away
The ex-partner is geographically distant.
The distant fire
Referring to the metaphorical burning of Paris, which is a fire in the distance.
Brings memories of the love
The burning of Paris brings back memories of the love the artist once had.
That I once knew
By love, the singer refers to the love he once shared with the ex-partner.
Where are you now
Asking where the ex-partner is and what they're doing.
Been looking all around
Having searched for the ex-partner extensively.
And I can't stay
The singer can't continue living this way.
Help me now
The singer is in need of help and support.
I can't stay
Reiterating the artist's inability to remain in this situation.
Much more before I fade away
The artist will not be able to handle this much longer.
[Chorus]
Referring to the recurring lyrics.
I can't believe
The singer is in disbelief.
You'd throw it all away
The ex-partner ended the relationship recklessly.
You know you played me for a fool (huh)
The artist feels like he was deceived by the ex-partner.
I'm leavin' now
The artist is leaving the current situation behind.
This time you know
Emphasizing that this time, the ex-partner should understand that it is over.
That I'll be gone for good, yeah
The artist is leaving for good and won't return.
Paris is burning, Paris
Referring again to the metaphorical burning of Paris.
Paris is burning
Continuing to describe Paris burning.
Paris is burning
Reiterating that Paris is burning.
I can see it from afar
The artist can see Paris burning from where he is.
Paris is burning
Final repetition of the recurring lyrics.
Lyrics © NEXT DECADE ENTERTAINMENT,INC., BMG Rights Management, O/B/O CAPASSO
Written by: ANUROOP PILLAI, PHILLIPA BROWN, ROY KERR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Eric Beich
I remember playing this before I went to sleep when I was 16 or 17 and it was magic in my headphones. staring out my window at the night sky.. I was at whatever concert this was for a few minutes each night.
Juvenal Martinez
That's awesome. I would also go to bed with my radio on in the 80's.
Morgan Dunn
Truth! I had the same experience! Being a teen in the 80s. We had it good!
St. O'Ned
Brother, I know exactly what you are saying!
Roger007Audioslave
George Lynch's frets are on fire, alot of energy in his guitar!!!
Joseph Anthony Angel
Don vocally at his prime (while never a flashy showman, Don in his prime was among the better singers of that genre), and George at his best. What a version of this song..
Slappy White
Dokken and Lynch are an extremley underrated combo. I love this track.
Dale Burton
Man! What an outstanding moment on the fretboard! I remember when I bought this album new way back in the early 80s, and this solo still makes the hair on my arms stand up! George Lynch is out of this world! Mr. Scary indeed!
NoCal Raider
Very underrated song from a very underrated band . .Anytime I wanted to bother the neighbors, I cranked this thing up LOUD!!
Torque Train
If they were good neighbors, it wouldn't be a bother- It would be a blessing.