The rock icon Gene Simmons (born Chaim Klein Witz on August 25, 1949 in Haifa, Israel) is the performer and entertainment mogul best known as "The Demon"- his blood spitting, fire breathing, tongue-wagging persona in the rock band KISS. His parents are Jews originally from Hungary, having fled the carnage of World War II to seek refuge in Israel. He plays bass guitar and sings. Simmons currently lives in Beverly Hills, California with his long time partner Shannon Tweed and their two children, Nicholas and Sophie. Simmons claims he has had sex with over 4,600 women. However in a 2004 documentary on The Biography Channel, his partner claimed that such statements were made for publicity reasons and are in fact not true.
Nick Simmons, Gene's son, is also a famous hard rock musician.
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The rockabilly star Gene Simmons was born in Tupelo, Mississippi and moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1958. While playing different clubs in the Memphis area in his early years, Gene's unique style and down to earth manner caught the prized attention of Sam Phillips, owner of the infamous "Sun Records" company. It would just be a matter of days before the fast-acting Sam Phillips would add Gene to his impressive list of stars signed with Sun Records: Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and Charlie Rich.
As his musical career was continuing to develop, Gene was approached and joined the famous "Bill Black Combo" as lead singer. Together, the Combo gained national attention and made appearances on popular television shows which, of course, included "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "American Bandstand."
Their performances continued to gain favor with the public until the untimely death of Bill Black. Gene soon signed with "Hi Records" and made a name for himself shortly after release of the whimsical and delightful "Haunted House" in 1964. It would be his first national million selling smash hit and would launch him on a lengthy world tour.
Returning to the states, and due a long-awaited rest, the creative, international star turned his talents to song writing. Barbara Mandrell, Mel Tillis, Gene Watson, and a host of other Nashville recording artists performed his songs.
The 1980's saw the resurgence of "Old Time Rock 'N Roll" abroad which brought about the re-issue of Gene's entire catalog of recordings throughout Europe. Once again, Gene would find himself touring away from home-this time bringing his 50's and 60's hits to a new generation of fans. Gene co-wrote "Indian Outlaw" by Tim McGraw, selling over 5 million copies and co-wrote songs for Hank Williams, Jr., and Ken Mellons.
Always Near You / Nowhere To Hide
Gene Simmons Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To understand I'm the only one
And if you cross yourself at night
I'll come and see you, don't run an' hide
I'm always near you
I'm always near you, near you
Don't think you'll hide behind the night
And if you touch me, I might
Might come and see you, don't run an' hide
I'm always near you
I'm always near you, near you
I've just begun since you've gone
To understand I'm the only one
And if you cross yourself at night
I'll come and see you, don't run an' hide
I'm always near you
I'm always near you, near you
Don't try to hide, you'll be the only one
I said, "Don't try to hide", you'll be the only one
Don't try to hide, you'll be the only one
I said, "Don't try to hide", you'll be the only one
Ev'ryone, oh ev'ryone, oh ev'ryone
Ev'ryone, oh ev'ryone, ev'ryone
Everyone, oh everyone
The lyrics of the song "Always Near You / Nowhere to Hide" by Gene Simmons could be seen as a song about a stalker who is obsessed with someone they can't be with anymore. The opening lines, "I've just begun since you've gone, to understand I'm the only one" could indicate that the person singing has recently realized that they were never truly appreciated by the one they loved. The next lines, "And if you cross yourself at night, I'll come and see you, don't run and hide" could be interpreted as a threat that the singer will always be watching and that the object of their obsession should not try to escape.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm always near you" and is accompanied by a heavy guitar riff, which creates a sense of tension and anxiety. The line "And if you turn out the light, don't think you'll hide behind the night" suggests that the singer will always be able to find their target, no matter how hard they try to escape. The statement "Don't try to hide, you'll be the only one" could be seen as the singer demanding that they be noticed and not ignored.
Overall, the lyrics of "Always Near You / Nowhere to Hide" create a sense of unease and discomfort, with the obsession and possessiveness portrayed by the singer's words.
Line by Line Meaning
I've just begun since you've gone
Only since you left have I started to understand.
To understand I'm the only one
To realize that I am the only one for you.
And if you cross yourself at night
If you feel scared and need to pray at night...
I'll come and see you, don't run an' hide
I'll be there for you, so don't be afraid.
I'm always near you
I'm always close to you no matter what.
And if you turn out the light
If you think darkness can hide you...
Don't think you'll hide behind the night
You can't hide from me just because it's dark.
And if you touch me, I might
If you reach out to me, I might respond.
Might come and see you, don't run an' hide
I might be there for you, so don't be afraid.
Don't try to hide, you'll be the only one
You can't hide from me, I'll always find you.
I said, "Don't try to hide", you'll be the only one
I'm telling you, you can't hide from me.
Everyone, oh everyone
This is a message for everyone, everywhere.
Oh everyone, oh everyone
Listen up, this concerns all of you.
Everyone, oh everyone
All of you need to hear this message.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: GENE SIMMONS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Man o Man
Loved all solo albums
Genes had the most production value and creativity from that standpoint and was probably the most expensive to make. “Always near you/Nowhere to hide” my fav from this album but many well done music in this album.
Paul’s was all Paul and classic guitar 🎸 riffs “Wouldn’t You Like To Know Me” one of my favs of all 4 albums.
Ace was the most appealing for hard rock fans and just was great in every way. “what’s on your mind” one of my favs
Peter - most under rated and did not appeal to most fans but I will say “don’t you let me down” and I can’t stop the rain”’ were absolutely beautiful songs and two of my favs from all these albums.
MeanMr.Mustard
I think Gene took a lot of chances w/his solo album. Back in '78 I didn't appreciate that. Now that I'm older and wiser I appreciate the diversity of the songs.
James Konners
Same for me...hated this album as a youngster and rightfully so. Enjoy most of this album as I’m full grown now. I think there’s others out there like you and I, no doubt. Ace-Paul-Gene-Peter....Solo albums IMO. Rock On!!
THE SWORD
I loved the solo albums then and now. A lot of actual good songs, like this one.
Mark Cheek
It's amazing to me that Gene Simmons could hit that high note like he did back then.
timg185
A lot of people didn’t like this . Because they didn’t think it sounded like Kiss. I really like this song. This shows a little bit different side of Gene. The purpose of solo albums is to experiment and do some things that might not show up on a Kiss album.
Mark Cummins
Proof that Gene can write really good songs & he has quite the vocal range!!!
Scott
+Mark Cummins
All The Way. Check that song out by KISS on Hotter Than Hell if you have not. peace
Mark Cummins
+HIPPOSTOMPER Been a KISS FREAK since 75/76 & have all kinds of rare vinyl & stuff-I still have a Chu Bops mini bubble gum album of Unmasked from 1980 that's still sealed although I imagine the gum is poison by now!!!! LOL anyway you know the story goes that this was 2 songs Gene had that for whatever reason he couldn't seem to finish & then he saw an interview with Paul McCartney saying how he would take 2 songs unfinished songs & put them together so Gene said why not & this is the result!!!
Scott
Me jealous. That is rare! I used to have that too!
KISS ARMY
Believe it or not Cher helped him on his solo album, why else do you think he sung a Disney song?