Past and present Riverdogs musicians include:
Guitarists: Vivian Campbell, Nick Brophy
Bass guitarists: Nick Brophy, Cary Beare
Drummers: Marc Danzeisen, Mike Baird (former Journey drummer), Ronnie Ciago.
Recordings
Following an introduction to guitarist Vivian Campbell, formerly of Sweet Savage, Dio, and Whitesnake, Campbell agreed to produce Riverdogs' first demo. Vivian was so impressed by their talent, he joined the band for its first eponymous CD, released on Epic Records in 1990. Soon after, drummer Marc Danzeisen joined the band to complete the line-up. Though fans and critics gave the album a warm reception, lack of support from their record label eventually led the band members to go their own way, with Campbell settling into the Def Leppard lineup and Nick Brophy becoming a respected engineer and producer. The band still gets together to play for fun and eventually record new songs.
Nick Brophy played as a bass guitarist on Riverdogs and played as a guitarist on Absolutely Live and Bone, replacing Vivian Campbell as guitarist, and himself being replaced by Cary Beare on bass guitar.
Vivian Campbell is now playing in both Def Leppard and Riverdogs.
Rob Lamothe was a guest lead vocalist on the song "The River" on former Badlands bass guitarist Greg Chaisson's solo album It's About Time. Marc Danzeisen guested on several songs on It's About Time as a backing vocalist and percussionist.
Rob Lamothe and Vivian Campbell have both had solo careers.
Keyboardist Kevin Gilbert played keyboards on the song "America" from Riverdogs.
Allen DeSilva played drums on the song "America" from Riverdogs.
Discography
* Riverdogs (1988)
* Absolutely Live (1993)
* Bone (1993)
Whisper
Riverdogs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Live like a cripple for thirty-nice years
He says, "Lord I'm a poor man"
I work to feed five children
When the last days come
Will you let me in"
And when my spirit's close to breaking
When my hands will not stop shaking
Will you Whisper?
A woman is weeping for the baby
she carries
This child, she swears, will be the
last one
She says, "Lord there must be a reason
you took away two husbands
I could use a little mercy
while I'm still young"
And when my spirit's close to breaking
When the world won't set me free
When my hands will not stop shaking
Will you Whisper?
You had to tear my heart out
That's one thing
Something I can live without
I can live without
And when my spirit's close to breaking
When the world won't set me free
When my hands will not stop shaking
Whisper to me
The Riverdogs' lyrics to "Whisper" paint a picture of two individuals who are facing immense emotional and spiritual turmoil. The first verse describes a man who has been living in a state of unfulfillment for almost four decades - working tirelessly to provide for his family without any recognition. As he beseeches the Lord for mercy in his final days, the listener is left with a sense of compassion for the man.
The second verse focuses on a woman who has lost two husbands and is carrying what she believes to be her last child. She is unable to comprehend why she has to face such pain and is searching for some respite from her struggles. The language used in the lyrics, particularly the repetition of the phrase "when my spirit's close to breaking," creates a feeling of intense vulnerability and desperation.
The chorus of the song, with its simple yet poignant plea for the Lord to "Whisper" to the singer during their time of need, serves as a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope.
Overall, the Riverdogs' "Whisper" is a touching and emotive song that asks listeners to confront their own struggles and vulnerabilities while reminding them of the importance of seeking solace and hope in trying times.
Line by Line Meaning
A man is walking close to tears
A man is on the verge of tears due to his struggles and hardships.
Live like a cripple for thirty-nice years
The man has been living with immense difficulty and challenges for close to four decades.
He says, "Lord I'm a poor man"
The man acknowledges his financial struggles and pleads for help.
I work to feed five children
The man works hard every day to provide for his five kids.
When the last days come
Will you let me in"
The man questions whether he will be accepted into heaven in his final days.
And when my spirit's close to breaking
When the world won't set me free
When my hands will not stop shaking
Will you Whisper?
In times of great desperation and struggle, the man turns to a higher power for guidance and support.
A woman is weeping for the baby
she carries
A pregnant woman is crying for her unborn child.
This child, she swears, will be the
last one
The woman is certain that this will be her final pregnancy.
She says, "Lord there must be a reason
you took away two husbands
I could use a little mercy
while I'm still young"
The woman has lost two spouses and pleads for mercy and comfort from a higher power before it's too late.
You had to tear my heart out
That's one thing
Something I can live without
I can live without
The woman has gone through great pain and heartache, but realizes that she can move on without that suffering.
Whisper to me
Both the man and woman turn to a higher power for guidance, support, and comfort during their trying times.
Contributed by Emma L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.