Bor… Read Full Bio ↴Richie Kotzen is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter.
Born in Reading, Pennsylvania on February 3, 1970, Richie Kotzen was soon taken by music and first began playing piano at the age of five. At the age of seven he was inspired by New York City band KISS to learn the electric guitar. Relentlessly developing chops and his own unique voice on the guitar, Kotzen was eventually discovered by Shrapnel Records' Mike Varney, and he recorded his first album by the age of 18. During that same year, he also graced the cover of several publications including Guitar World Magazine. He created the video Rock Chops for REH video in 1989, highlighting many of his formative techniques, including using wide-intervals and fluid sweeping.
In 1993, Kotzen made his big break when he joined the rock band Poison at age 20, co-writing and performing on the album Native Tongue. This album produced two top twenty singles which Richie wrote, Stand and Until You Suffer Some. Kotzen was subsequently fired from the band when it was discovered that he had been romantically involved with Deanna Eve, the ex-fiance of Poison drummer Rikki Rockett. Kotzen and Eve later married and divorced. In 1999 Kotzen replaced Paul Gilbert as guitarist in the mainstream rock band Mr. Big. Kotzen maintained the band's enormous success, performing on the Mr. Big record Get Over It, which sold more than 1,975,000 copies in its first two weeks in Japan, eventually reaching platinum status. Kotzen also contributed guitars to Mr. Big's subsequent release Actual Size. The record included the Kotzen song Shine, which debuted at number one on Japanese radio charts. Following the disbanding of Mr. Big, Kotzen released the solo album Change, in 2003. The title track, and the song Get A Life were featured in TV commercials throughout Japan.
In mid 2002 Kotzen established a recording Studio/Production company in Los Angeles, California. He has since been producing acclaimed solo albums and collaborating with various figures in rock, jazz, and fusion. He now has formed a band called Forty Deuce which recently released a new album entitled Nothing to Lose.
Richie has a unique style, which he has described as a mix of rock, jazz fusion, and soul music. Of his albums, he claims he is most proud of Vertu. Kotzen utilizes a heavy amount of legato playing into his solos.
Richie is now living in Los Angeles, California. Besides playing the guitar, his hobbies include exercise and sports, especially basketball. Richie has said that if he had'nt become a professional musician, he would have liked to play professional basketball.
In 2008, Kotzen released his first official live album, "Live In São Paulo", which featured Johnny Griparic on bass and Dan Potruch on Drums.
Discography
* (1989) Richie Kotzen
* (1990) Fever Dream
* (1991) Electric Joy
* (1991) Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey (Soundtrack)
* (1993) Native Tongue (Poison)
* (1994) Mother Head's Family Reunion
* (1995) Inner Galactic Fusion Experience
* (1995) Tilt (with Greg Howe)
* (1996) Wave of Emotion
* (1996) Times Gonna Tell (EP)
* (1997) Kotzen/Howe Project (with Greg Howe)
* (1997) Something to Say
* (1998) What Is
* (1999) Break It All Down
* (1999) BiPolar Blues
* (1999) Vertu (project with Stanley Clarke and Lenny White)
* (1999) Get Over It (Mr. Big)
* (2000) Deep Cuts (Mr. Big)
* (2001) Actual Size (Mr. Big)
* (2001) Slow
* (2002) In Japan (Mr. Big)
* (2003) Change
* (2003) Acoustic Cuts
* (2004) Get Up
* (2004) The Best of Richie Kotzen
* (2005) Nothing to Lose (Forty-Deuce)
* (2006) ZxR Ai Senshi
* (2006) Into the Black
* (2007) ''Return Of The Mother Head's Family Reunion'' (Japan & Europe)
* (2007) ''Go Faster'' (US only)
* (2008) ''Live In São Paulo''
* (2009) ''Peace Sign''
* (2011) ''24 Hours''
* (2013) ''The Winery Dogs'' (The Winery Dogs)
* (2014) ''Unleashed In Japan: The Second Show'' (The Winery Dogs) Released only In Japan (DVD/2CD)
* (2014) ''The Essential''
* (2015) ''Cannibals''
* (2015) ''Hot Streak'' (The Winery Dogs)
* (2017) ''Salting Earth''
Videography
* (1989) Rock Chops
* (1994) Mother Head's family Reunion (Videoclip from the Mother Head's family Reunion Album)
* (1996) Wave of Emotion (Videoclip from the Wave of Emotion Album)
* (2001) Don't Wanna Lie (Videoclip from the Slow Album)
* (2001) Shine (Videoclip from Mr. Big's Actual Size Album)
* (2002) ''Hi-Tech Rock Guitar''
* (2005) ''Live In South America''
* (2008) ''Chase It'' (Videoclip from the R.O.T.M.F.R. Album)
* (2008) ''Bootlegged in Brazil''
* (2014) ''Unleashed In Japan: The Second Show'' (The Winery Dogs) Released only In Japan (DVD/2CD)'
* (2015) ''Live''
Paying Dues
Richie Kotzen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe I'm paying dues
Maybe I'm just one more lie
Maybe I'm just doing what I'm meant to do
I been locked up at the county jail
Been called a loser I should cut my hair
Been called unfaithful and I don't care
Maybe I'm just wasting time
Maybe I'm just paying dues
Maybe I'm just one more lie
Maybe I'm just doing what I'm meant to do
I've been put down but my skin is thick
I may be small but my hands are quick
I lay in the cut and I'm in the mix
I'm all lit up I'm ready for you
Maybe I'm just wasting time
Maybe I'm just paying dues
Maybe I'm just one more lie
Maybe I'm just doing what I'm meant to do
[Bass solo]
[Drums solo]
[Guitar solo]
I made a fortune and I lost it too
And I've been loved and I've been used
I'm undecided but I see the truth
I aint had enough till I had you
Maybe I'm just wasting time
Maybe I'm just paying dues
Maybe I'm just one more lie
Maybe I'm just doing what I'm meant to do
I'm paying dues
Maybe I'm just wasting time
Maybe I'm paying dues
I got nothing to lose, yeah
Maybe I'm paying dues
The lyrics to Richie Kotzen's song Paying Dues convey a sense of uncertainty about life and one's place in it. The opening line, "Maybe I'm just wasting time" sets the tone for the rest of the song, as the singer questions whether his efforts have been worthwhile or not. He considers the possibility that he may be "paying dues," a common phrase that refers to putting in the necessary work and sacrifices to achieve success. This phrase suggests that the singer is still striving for something better, despite setbacks and criticism from others.
The second verse provides some insight into the singer's experiences, as he relates that he has been "locked up at the county jail" and insulted by others. However, he refuses to let these setbacks define him, as he emphasizes his own resilience and willingness to take risks as an artist. The solos in the song also showcase this effort to push beyond limitations and express oneself fully. The final verse offers some resolution, as the singer reflects on his past successes and failures, admitting that he is "undecided but I see the truth." Ultimately, the song seems to suggest that it is better to go after one's dreams and weather the challenges that come with them, rather than giving up and settling for a life that feels unfulfilling.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe I'm just wasting time
I am questioning the time I am spending on this path.
Maybe I'm paying dues
Perhaps I am suffering and enduring hardships as a way of achieving my goals.
Maybe I'm just one more lie
It's possible that I am viewed as dishonest or untrustworthy by those around me.
Maybe I'm just doing what I'm meant to do
Maybe I am fulfilling my destiny, even if it means facing setbacks and difficulties along the way.
I been locked up at the county jail
I have faced punishment and confinement for my actions in the past.
Been called a loser I should cut my hair
I have been insulted and belittled, even for my choices in outward appearance.
Been called unfaithful and I don't care
Some may question my loyalty and trustworthiness, but I remain unfazed by their accusations.
I've done it all but I'm doing nothing
While I may have had a variety of experiences, I feel stagnant in my current situation.
I've been put down but my skin is thick
While I may have faced criticism and negative remarks, I am able to persevere through my resilience.
I may be small but my hands are quick
Though I may seem insignificant or underestimated, I possess skills and abilities that surprise others.
I lay in the cut and I'm in the mix
I am constantly observing and participating in the environment around me, even if it seems like I'm in the background.
I'm all lit up I'm ready for you
I am energized and motivated, prepared for any obstacles that may come my way.
I made a fortune and I lost it too
I have experienced both success and loss in my life.
And I've been loved and I've been used
I have had both positive and negative experiences in relationships with others.
I'm undecided but I see the truth
I may feel uncertain or indecisive, but I still recognize what is real and genuine.
I aint had enough till I had you
I have been searching for something or someone to fill a void or provide meaning in my life.
I'm paying dues
I am accepting the hardships and difficulties of my path, even if it means enduring them for an extended period of time.
Maybe I'm just wasting time
I am still questioning if the time I am spending on this path is truly worth it.
Maybe I'm paying dues
I am still accepting the hardships and difficulties of my path, despite any doubts or uncertainties.
I got nothing to lose, yeah
I am unafraid of any potential losses or setbacks, and am willing to take risks to achieve my goals.
Maybe I'm paying dues
I am still accepting the hardships and difficulties of my path, even if it means I have to endure them alone.
Contributed by Henry H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Bryan Downey
This song is so freaking great....Richie is what all musicians wish they could become...he is truly blessed.
Emerson Ribeiro
A musicalidade fui nas veias do Ritchie Kotzen......🎤🎸🥁🎶🎼🎵🎶🎼🎵🔊
Jon Gomm
Musicality leaks from every fibre of his being. Richie is extraordinary.
Bryan Downey
***** I agree...he must dream 'music'....he is one of the best of all time.
Maula Nazreen
+Jon Gomm hey man you are also one of a kind! digging passionflower so hard. the pauses were on point! for the love of god keep em coming man. i r8 u 5/7 m8 4sure
Bobby Davro
High praise from the master!
Yaseen Akbar
Hi Jon!
Claudiu Cont
... Master Richie Kotzen, you are an amazing guitar player and musician, you have my eternal respect and admiration ! ... <3 :)
Brian Williams
This guy is a genius! Love his music and his style of play, frickin awesome🤘🤘
LEIF HOFFMAN
The best all around Musician on the planet!!! He does it all and is amazing at it!! Plays with his "Heart and Soul"!