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.
Shadows Of Life
Dokken Lyrics
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Tale of woe open up my eyes
Keeping me from the other side
Satisfy what my soul believes
If it could only see
In a green sea
On a black night
I fell to my knees
Save it for the innocent
Save it for the cruel
And leave it in the shadows of life
On a ship full of hopes and dreams
Took a trip down to misery
Realized that I'd been before
I found it hard to believe
On a red sky
In a green sea
On a black night
I fell to my knees
Save it for the innocent
Save it for the cruel
And leave it in the shadows of life
Read between the lines
These are angry times
Save it for the innocent
Save it for the cruel
And leave it in the shadows of life
The lyrics to Dokken's "Shadows of Life" are about navigating through the difficulties and trials of life while still holding onto hope and staying true to one's beliefs. The singer talks about how opening his eyes to the harsh realities of the world has kept him from crossing over to the other side, possibly referencing death or giving up. The lyrics also touch on the struggle between good and evil and the importance of preserving innocence in the face of cruelty.
The imagery used in the lyrics is quite vivid, with references to red skies, green seas, and black nights adding to the ominous tone of the song. The singer describes falling to his knees in the face of these challenges, emphasizing the weight of the burdens he carries. The repeated refrain of "save it for the innocent, save it for the cruel, and leave it in the shadows of life" can be interpreted as a call to protect those who are vulnerable and to keep the darkness of the world from consuming us.
Overall, "Shadows of Life" touches on universal themes of struggle and perseverance in the face of adversity. The lyrics encourage listeners to hold onto hope and to fight against darkness and cruelty, even when it feels overwhelming.
Line by Line Meaning
Tale of woe open up my eyes
Through hardships and suffering, I have gained a clear understanding and perception of reality.
Keeping me from the other side
These struggles I have faced have prevented me from experiencing a better, happier life.
Satisfy what my soul believes
I am seeking solace and fulfillment by following my own personal beliefs and ideals.
If it could only see
I wish that my soul could fully comprehend and grasp a true understanding of the world around me.
On a red sky
Amidst chaos and turmoil
In a green sea
In a world full of envy and greed
On a black night
During times of darkness and despair
I fell to my knees
I was overwhelmed and defeated by the struggles of life.
Save it for the innocent
It is unfair to burden the blameless with the distress of others.
Save it for the cruel
Consequences should be reserved for those who intentionally cause harm and inflict pain on others.
And leave it in the shadows of life
The pain and suffering of life should always remain hidden and unacknowledged.
On a ship full of hopes and dreams
I embarked on a journey full of aspirations and ambitions.
Took a trip down to misery
However, my journey lead me to sadness and desperation.
Realized that I'd been before
I recognized that I had experienced this pain and suffering before in my life.
I found it hard to believe
It was difficult to accept and understand the repeated hardship in my life.
Read between the lines
A deeper meaning exists beyond the surface level interpretation of what is being said or seen.
These are angry times
The present moments are filled with tension, grievances and frustrations.
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: GEORGE LYNCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind