It was during this period that he became acquainted with his future partner Mark Avsec, a musician then playing keyboards for Wild Cherry. Unfortunately, Wild Cherry ended up being regarded as another one-hit-wonder, and Iris was out of a job by 1980. But Iris and Avsec, and their new band, titled "The Cruisers", returned to the charts several times in the 80s. Iris particularly scored hits with the songs "Ah, Leah!" (a track from 'Back to the Streets' that reached #29 on the Billboard Hot 100), "Love is Like a Rock" (reaching #37 on that Billboard chart), and "My Girl" (reaching #25 on that Billboard chart). "Ah, Leah!" has became known as Iris' 'signature song' and has been included in many multi-artist compilation albums.
According to reporting by D. X. Ferris in the Cleveland Scene, "Ah, Leah!" was the topic of an (apparently frivolous) lawsuit claiming that certain lyrics were stolen from a demo provided by an amateur songwriter. Iris and producer Mark Avsec prevailed, but incurred significant legal fees.
Born in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, Iris first began singing at weddings at age five, and, by age eight, he was performing on local television and entering talent contests. When his voice changed, he took up the drums but later got back into singing while in high school. A self-taught guitarist, he formed "Donnie & the Donnells" while in college.
Aside from his initial hits, with "Ah, Leah!" particularly getting big attention nationwide as an 80s classic, Iris and the Cruisers were unable to achieve major success outside of the Pennsylvania area. Yet they still have recorded and performed in the Ohio Valley for a great many years, being known for their classic rock n roll inspired live performances. Donnie Iris and the Cruisers released their most recent album, titled 'Ah! Leluiah!', on November 18, 2010. That release is the artist's first Christmas album.
His official website is at http://www.donnieiris.com/ but the most recent news there dates from 2010.
King Cool
Donnie Iris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He was so cool he couldn't do no wrong
Playing his guitar he was a local star
He ran away from love but he ran too far
He's king cool
You know
He's all right
He's king cool
You know
He's no fool
You know
He's king cool
You know
He's all right
You know
He's king cool
You know
He had a chick named merilee
She was the cutest chick he'd ever seen
He couldn't help himself and he fell in love
Between her and his guitar it was push and shove
She wanted him all to herself
She couldn't share him with nobody else
He's king cool
You know
He's all right
You know
He's king cool
You know
He's no fool
You know
He's king cool
You know
He's all right
You know
He's king cool
You know
She doesn't know how she lost her man
Now he's a superstar and she don't understand
How he plays his guitar with a broken heart
Now when his guitar sings it just tears her apart
He's king cool
You know
He's all right
You know
He's king cool
You know
He's no fool
You know
He's king cool
You know
He's all right
You know
He's king cool
You know
The lyrics of Donnie Iris's song King Cool depict a local music star who is loved by all for his cool persona and awesome guitar skills. He seemingly lived a rock 'n' roll lifestyle as he smoked a cigarette while playing his music, giving off an air of aloofness and nonchalance that only helped add to his coolness. However, despite being such a "king cool," he ran away from love and his girlfriend, Merilee, because of his love for music.
The second verse shows Merilee's longing for an exclusive relationship with him but was unsuccessful in keeping him to herself, leading to their breakup. The last verse reveals that he had become a superstar, and his broken-hearted guitar-playing now brings Merilee to tears. Overall, the song depicts the salient struggle between a music career and love, with King Cool choosing music over a relationship even though he cannot appear to forget Merilee.
Line by Line Meaning
He smoked a cigarette when he played his song
While playing his music, he would smoke a cigarette
He was so cool he couldn't do no wrong
An extremely calm and collected individual, he took everything in stride
Playing his guitar he was a local star
He became a popular musician in his hometown through his guitar-playing
He ran away from love but he ran too far
He tried to avoid romantic relationships, but went too far in doing so
He had a chick named merilee
He was in a romantic relationship with a woman named Merilee
She was the cutest chick he'd ever seen
He found Merilee to be extremely attractive
He couldn't help himself and he fell in love
Despite trying to avoid romantic relationships, he fell in love with Merilee
Between her and his guitar it was push and shove
He struggled to balance his love for Merilee with his love for music
She wanted him all to herself
Merilee desired exclusivity in her relationship with him
She couldn't share him with nobody else
She did not want to share him with anyone else
She doesn't know how she lost her man
Merilee is unsure of how she lost him as he became successful
Now he's a superstar and she don't understand
He has become very famous, and Merilee cannot comprehend how it happened
How he plays his guitar with a broken heart
Despite having a broken heart, he still continues to play music
Now when his guitar sings it just tears her apart
His guitar-playing now hurts Merilee emotionally
He's king cool
He is the epitome of cool
You know
An expression indicating that the statement is common knowledge
He's all right
He is doing well in life
He's no fool
He is a very intelligent individual
Lyrics © LAWRENCE LIGHTER ATTORNEY AT LAW
Written by: D. IRIS, M. AVSEC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RockstarSuperhero
That chorus. Those vocals. I love love love love love this song. Great memories.
@MrBoedad
One of the greatest songs ever. God Bless Donnie Iris
@Butterflypoo
Thank you for posting this brilliant song. You literally cannot find this anywhere.
@joanjett8814
Yes he is absolutely the king of cool in my life..great tune
@paulflanigan7171
Been looking for this song for years!!! Filling my bucket list . ARG!
@YogaArmy
AWESOME Thank You for posting this!! It's IMPOSSIBLE to find this song! Donnie Rocks!
@CURELOVER
... I own the LP ...
@markc1925
Great tune. That screaming guitar towards the end....
@CaptNemo100
He's King Cool you know.....he's no fool you know!!! Awsome !!!!!
@jamiebilich4084
Great song love the guitar