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.
Love Is Like A Rock
Donnie Iris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You can't depend on your teacher
You can't depend on your preacher
You can't depend on politicians
You can't depend on superstitions
[Chorus]
Love can rock you
Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah,
Love is like a rock
You can't rely on Mother Nature
You can't rely on your paychecks
You can't depend on your doctor
You can't depend on your lawyer
[Chorus: x2]
"Donnie Iris" sings about the reliability of love as compared to other things in life which are often regarded as dependable. The lyrics highlight that one cannot depend on their teacher or preacher to teach them about love as love is something that is felt rather than taught. Similarly, politicians cannot guarantee to make people fall in love or save relationships. Superstitions too cannot assure anyone that their love will last forever. In this stanza, it is evident that the singer is trying to convey that love is unpredictable and uncontrollable.
The chorus emphasizes the point that love is like a rock that can rock you but never stop you. As compared to other things in life, love is strong and unbreakable. The singer strengthens this idea by saying you cannot rely on Mother Nature as natural calamities can come and destroy everything. Likewise, money cannot buy love and hence paychecks do not play a role in love. Even doctors and lawyers cannot promise someone love. Thus, the song tries to communicate that love is the only thing that can be relied on for unconditional support and strength.
Line by Line Meaning
Love is Like a Rock
Love is strong and dependable, much like a rock that can withstand external forces.
You can't depend on your teacher
One cannot rely wholly on a teacher or mentor for guidance in matters of the heart.
You can't depend on your preacher
One cannot depend on a religious leader for guidance in matters of love and relationships.
You can't depend on politicians
Politicians are not reliable sources of advice when it comes to affairs of the heart.
You can't depend on superstitions
One cannot rely entirely on superstitions or beliefs when dealing with love and relationships.
[Chorus] Love can rock you Never stop you Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah, Love is like a rock
Love can have a strong impact on one's life, but it is dependable and can endure like a rock.
You can't rely on Mother Nature
Nature's unpredictable ways cannot be relied upon when it comes to love and relationships.
You can't rely on your paychecks
The amount of money one makes cannot determine whether love will thrive or not.
You can't depend on your doctor
Medical professionals are not always equipped to handle matters of the heart, such as matters of love.
You can't depend on your lawyer
Lawyers cannot offer complete guidance when it comes to navigating the emotions and complexities of love.
[Chorus: x2]
The chorus repeats the idea that love is strong and dependable like a rock and can have a powerful impact on one's life.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALBRITTON MCCLAIN, DONNIE IERACE, KEVIN VALENTINE, LESTER LEE, MARK AVSEC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Craig Butterfield
This guy has so many songs, and I never knew they were his. All hail Donny Iris
Alan Horowitz
Haven't heard this song in 30 years. Man, the memories all come rushing back! Absolutely mind blowing.
Johnny B
2nd that !!
RightBackAtcha
The absence of most of Donnie Iris' music on Spotify is a crime. Back On the Streets and King Cool were amazing albums.
MonkeyDUI
Wdym they’re still there
RightBackAtcha
There is one compilation album and that's it. Not sure what you're looking at. No King Cool, no Back on the Streets.
MonkeyDUI
@RightBackAtcha Ohh I see. Well at least this banger is on there
Leslie Cantor
I was a sophomore in high school when this was released. Still a great song. Nothing like 80s music. What an era! I am almost 51 and still stuck in the 80s'.
Marky Mark
im like 20 and there with you man haha
Bon Summers
1960's French pop is where it's at