Peter's first solo album came out in 1978 along with the other three member's solo albums. Although receiving major play for the retro rock n roll tune "Tossin' and Turnin'", the album was the least favorite of the four, in large part because it strayed away from the 'Kiss sound' and focused on the slower, more chill sounds that Criss favored. Criss grew up listening to crooners such as Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. Said facts were a sign of how the four band members had significantly drifted apart, as Criss' vision differed greatly from his associates.
In 1979, KISS released 'Dynasty'. Criss's only contribution to the album was the track "Dirty Livin'", which featured him on lead vocals. Kiss used a session drummer, the famous Anton Fig, for the rest of the album. Although Criss' aforementioned tune received kudos, the end of his role in the band was clearly coming. Despite materialistic success, his personal life also appeared in turmoil.
Criss left Kiss in 1980, with the drug and alcohol abuse plaguing his life as well as musical differences coming to a head. He started a solo career that led to sporadic touring and three additional studio releases. Some of those releases received some critical praise, such as the appropriately titled 'Let Me Rock You' (compared by Allmusic to "catnip" for the ears) that featured help from no less than Kiss' Gene Simmons.
Yet Criss had many demons to deal with. Even though Criss was featured on the 'Unmasked' album cover, he did not play a single beat on the album. The band replaced him with musician Eric Carr. Tragedy struck when Carr passed away from cancer-related complications on November 24, 1991. Kiss as a very idea, let alone a band, appeared in jeopardy. Though the group brought in Eric Singer to replace Carr, their commercial and critical fortunes had waned much from their 70s heyday.
In 1995, Criss was asked to sing with Kiss (then made up of Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Bruce Kulick, and Singer) at a Kiss Convention which ignited a spark of the idea of a reunion of the four original members. He sang "Hard Luck Woman" and "Nothin' to Lose." Later on that year, Criss joined Kiss and Ace Frehley for an acoustic session for MTV's Unplugged Series. He sang and played four songs: "Beth", "2,000 Man", "Nothin' to Lose", and "Rock and Roll All Nite".
This was the "icing on the cake" because, a year later, Criss, Frehley, Stanley, and Simmons donned the war paint (which Kiss hadn't worn since 1983) and put their larger than life boots back on for a Reunion Tour, which was the biggest tour in the world at the time. Criss was ecstatic to play with Kiss again. Criss and the others released 'Psycho Circus' in 1998. Like in the past, Criss and Frehley were credited on the album, but session drummers were used for most of the album. Criss sang the Beth-esque track "I Finally Found my Way", written by Paul Stanley.
Two years later, in 2000-2001, Kiss announced their Farewell Tour, which also became a huge series of events. About 3/4 into the tour, Criss was becoming unhappy with his salary and he was also tired of playing two hour shows every night. On the night Kiss played Trenton, New Jersey, Criss had a "tear" pasted on his face. Many people say this was a sign that Criss wasn't coming back because for the next show, Kiss had to bring back Eric Singer, who put on the 'Cat Man' make-up and finished the tour (since Simmons and Stanley owned the make-up designs, Criss couldn't stop them).
Kiss was silent in 2002, but then, in 2003, Kiss planned a once in a life-time concert event with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Criss was back behind the skins (some say they needed him to sing "Black Diamond" and "Beth", which were symphony worthy). Criss then stayed with Kiss to play on the World Dominination Tour along side Aerosmith (since the set was 80 minutes, Criss had an easier time playing). After the tour, Criss called it quits again, but on far better terms than in the old days.
On April 11, 2014, Kiss was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Earning an enthusiastic audience response when they appeared, the original band members reunited once again. Though the rockers did not perform, they all showed up in person to accept their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame during the 29th annual induction ceremony and thanked their fans.
You Matter To Me
Peter Criss Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Endless tears
Feels like my whole world is dying
It hurts when you're not near
'Cause you matter to me
And that's why
You still matter to me
To get by
You still matter to me
Yes, you do
I ain't no good at talking
So girl I'm telling you straight
My heart feels just like an oven
I hope I'm not to late
'Cause you matter to me
And that's why
You still matter to me
And that's the only reason I need
To get by
You still matter to me
Yes, you do
If I could have just one wish
I'd stand you in my place
Then you'd know how much I miss you
You'll never be replaced
'Cause you matter to me
And that's why
You still matter to me
And that's the only reason I need
To get by
You still matter to me
Yes, you do
The lyrics to Peter Criss's song "You Matter To Me" express a deep sense of loss and longing for the presence of someone special. The opening lines use a powerful metaphor, likening the tears falling from the sky to the singer's own sense of despair and grief. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which is filled with raw emotion and vulnerability.
The chorus repeats the phrase "you matter to me" several times, reinforcing the importance of the person to whom the song is addressed. It's clear that this person provides the singer with a sense of purpose, as he says that their presence is "the only reason [he] need[s] to get by." The second verse acknowledges the singer's difficulty with communication, admitting that he's "no good at talking." However, he makes up for this with the intensity of his feelings, describing his heart as feeling "just like an oven."
The final verse of the song is particularly poignant, as the singer states that if he could have one wish, he would switch places with the person he's addressing. This wish is an expression of deep love and empathy, as it would allow the person to experience firsthand how much they are missed and how irreplaceable they truly are.
Overall, "You Matter To Me" is a song that speaks to the universal human experience of longing for connection and validation. Its powerful lyrics and emotional delivery make it an enduring favorite among fans of Peter Criss and classic rock.
Line by Line Meaning
Look at the sky it's crying
The rain falling from the sky symbolizes the pain and sadness I am feeling inside.
Endless tears
My tears won't stop because my emotions for you are too strong.
Feels like my whole world is dying
Without you, my life feels empty and meaningless.
It hurts when you're not near
The physical and emotional pain I feel when I am not with you is unbearable.
'Cause you matter to me
You are important to me and hold a significant place in my heart.
And that's why
The reason for my deep feelings towards you is because of how much you matter to me.
You still matter to me
Despite any obstacles or distance between us, my feelings for you remain strong.
And that's the only reason I need
Knowing that you matter to me is the only motivation I need to keep going.
To get by
To keep living and moving forward in life, I need to have you in it.
Yes, you do
Your presence and existence in my life are significant and valued.
I ain't no good at talking
Expressing my feelings verbally is not my strong suit.
So girl I'm telling you straight
I am being honest and straightforward with you about my feelings.
My heart feels just like an oven
My heart is burning with love and passion for you.
I hope I'm not too late
I worry that I may have missed my chance to convey my feelings for you.
If I could have just one wish
If I had the power to achieve anything, my one wish would be to have you in my life.
I'd stand you in my place
I would switch places with you so that you could experience how much you mean to me.
Then you'd know how much I miss you
Experiencing my feelings firsthand would show you just how much you are missed and valued by me.
You'll never be replaced
No one else can take your place in my heart and life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: J VASTANO, JOHN VASTANO, MICHAEL MORGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Erik Morton
Under rated gem. Too bad they never did this as a KISS song. Definitely has that KISS swing feel.
Jahir Sánchez
Only if you like Dynasty 😜
fernando luis perez perez
Que hermosa rola para relajarte después de un largo dia de problemas
Frank Maiorana
I have always loved this song. I love the arrangements and I love the baseline.
Night Owl
I actually really like this! Catchy tune with sweet & simple lyrics 😎
Robert Cousland
I remember buying the LP new as well. I always thought it was better than most people gave it credit for being.
Joe Bunting
He did an excellent effort on this song.
Eric Springer
Peter did very well in my opinion....he broke away from the same old Kiss sound and did his own thing, that is what any true artist would have done and would do
Mr. Moon
Only in this song...
Dave Night
Great anaogly