Michael Schenker (born January 10, 1955) is a hard rock and heavy metal gui… Read Full Bio ↴Michael Schenker (born January 10, 1955) is a hard rock and heavy metal guitarist of UFO and a founding member of the Scorpions. He signed with Chrysalis Records in autumn 1979 after leaving UFO. He is the younger brother of Rudolf Schenker of Scorpions fame.

Michael was born in Sarstedt, Germany. He started playing in his early teens when his brother Rudolph brought home a Flying V guitar, which captured Michael's imagination. His playing style is unusual in that he seems not to use conventionally practiced guitar scales but seems instead to improvise.

Schenker joined UFO under unusual circumstances. The band left the UK to play some dates in Germany. Their guitarist at the time; Bernie Marsden, forgot his passport and was unable to make the first gig. At the venue UFO spotted Michael playing a soundcheck with the Scorpions and managed to persuade him into playing that evening's show. Despite the language barrier; he spoke no English and they spoke no German, something clearly "clicked" and Schenker brought the ellusive X factor to the band and took them to another level musically.

Schenker has had a turbulent career with UFO, often walking out mid song and causing shows to be cancelled. He is evidently as temperamental as he is gifted. Schenker says his playing with UFO is like chocolate: fantastic for a while but once you've had enough....

Clearly a musical prodigy, Schenker was one of the 1970's most inspirational guitarists, influencing later musicians such as Kirk Hammett from the band Metallica.

Michael was offered gigs with Aerosmith and Ozzy Osbourne but decided he wanted to play his own music and not be a hired hand in another group. In 1979, he founded the Michael Schenker Group (M.S.G). The history of the Michael Schenker Group has been strewn with personality conflicts and "incidents" between band members. In 1982, original vocalist Gary Barden was sacked in favor of Graham Bonnet (Rainbow, Alcatrazz) who lasted one album (Assault Attack) and was fired from the band after dropping his pants in a warm-up gig before the Reading festival. Gary Barden was enticed back to the band for Reading and stayed with M.S.G. for the recording of a new studio album (Built to Destroy) and a live album (Rock Will Never Die). After the second departure of vocalist Gary Barden after the Built to Destroy album, Michael reorganized the band around himself and vocalist Robin McAuley as the McAuley Schenker Group. After three albums in that configuration, Michael and Robin parted company.

Michael next rejoined UFO for the album Walk on Water. A short tour punctuated by a fight between Michael and vocalist Phil Mogg ended the reunion.

Michael resurrected the Michael Schenker Group with all new players and recorded three decent albums and toured yearly to appreciative Schenker-heads around the United States and Europe.

Michael fell on hard times in the early 2000's after his divorce in which he lost rights to his own music, his Mercedes and his prized Flying V guitars.

Michael picked himself up and got back to the business of making and performing music. The recording of the album Arachnophobiac and the resulting two years of touring got Michael back in rocking form.

2005 brings the 25th anniversary of the Michael Schenker Group. Michael is putting together a new album of songs called Tales of Rock and Roll honoring that anniversary. Singers from each iteration of the group have been enlisted to sing on a track or two.

A new Michael Schenker Group album is as much about finding out who is left in the band as it is about the music. Devoted fans love him regardless of his personal and personnel problems.

Here Today-Gone Tomorrow
Michael Schenker Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Such a strange obsession coming over me
Seems like I can't face that stark reality.
Need to find the answer
Need to find a way
I don't know what I'm doing here
From day to day
As far as I can see now
The reason's very clear

Is there nothing left for me

[Chorus]
Here today, gone tomorrow
I hear you say
No more joy only sorrow, no other way
Here today you're gone tomorrow
I hear you say

One last time before you walk away
Bent on self destruction
I can feel the pain
This advice you've given me
Is all in vain
As far as I can see now
The reason's very clear
Is there nothing left for me

[Chorus]

Did I hear you whisper...
Almost reached that point now
The point of no return
Getting closer to that edge, ooh I'll never learn
As far as I can see now

The reason's very clear
Is there nothing left for me

Overall Meaning

In the song "Here Today-Gone Tomorrow" by Michael Schenker, the lyrics depict a sense of internal struggle and confusion in the singer's life. The opening lines express a peculiar obsession that has taken hold of them, making it difficult to confront the harsh reality they are faced with. They feel a need to find answers and a way to cope with their current state, as they feel lost and unsure about their purpose on a day-to-day basis.

The repeated phrase, "As far as I can see now, the reason's very clear," suggests that the singer has reached a point of clarity. They have realized that there seems to be nothing left for them in their current situation. This realization may stem from feeling unfulfilled or unsatisfied, leading to a sense of emptiness and longing for something more meaningful in their life.

The chorus emphasizes the transient nature of experiences and emotions. The phrase "Here today, gone tomorrow" highlights the fleeting nature of joy and the prevalence of sorrow in their life. The singer hears someone say this, possibly reflecting a repeated message or advice given to them, further emphasizing the cyclical nature of their internal struggle.

The verse following the chorus suggests that someone close to the singer is about to leave them. This person seems to be on a path of self-destruction, causing the singer to feel their pain as well. The advice given to the singer by this person seems futile, as it does not seem to provide any real or lasting solutions to their situation.

The final verse delves into the singer's contemplation of reaching a point of no return. They feel themselves getting closer to the edge, metaphorically representing a breaking point or a moment of ultimate decision. Despite this impending danger, the singer admits that they may never truly learn from their experiences and continue to be drawn to the edge.

In summary, "Here Today-Gone Tomorrow" explores the singer's inner turmoil and search for meaning in their life. They feel lost, unsatisfied, and in a state of confusion. The repeated phrases throughout the song emphasize the temporary nature of emotions and experiences while questioning the purpose and existence of the singer's current situation. It serves as a reflection on the transient nature of life and the struggle to find meaning and fulfillment within it.

Line by Line Meaning

Such a strange obsession coming over me
I am experiencing an unusual fixation that is overpowering me.

Seems like I can't face that stark reality.
It appears that I am unable to confront the harsh truth.

Need to find the answer
I have a strong desire to discover the solution.

Need to find a way
I must find a path or method.

I don't know what I'm doing here
I am uncertain about my purpose or actions.

From day to day
Living each day without a clear direction or plan.

As far as I can see now
Based on my current understanding and perspective.

The reason's very clear
The cause or motive is quite apparent.

Is there nothing left for me
Is there truly nothing remaining for me in this situation.

Here today, gone tomorrow
In the present moment, but soon disappeared.

I hear you say
I understand your words or message.