Formed in Miami, Florida by Matt Kramer (vocals), Jason Bieler (guitar), Tom DeFile (bass) and Phil Varone (drums), the band managed to build up a solid following in their native Florida and eventually got signed to Atlantic records. It took a mere eleven days to record the debut album, and although it got rave reviews from critics, went mostly unnoticed by the record buying public.
The band hit it big with The Lizard and its #12 charting ballad "Love Is On The Way". The success of the ballad was a double-edged sword, it gave the band access to a huge new fan base, but several people grouped the band in with the other one hit wonders of the era. Shortly after the band's success DeFile left the band and was replaced by Chris McLernon. Prior to the recording of Water, Kramer also left the band and Bieler took over on vocals. The album was a commercial disappointment in America, but the band continued to have a loyal following overseas. Two more studio albums were recorded before the band decided to call it a day.
Bieler went on to form Super Transatlantic, and surprisingly the original Saigon Kick minus Bieler rejoined with Jeff Blando on guitar for some live shows. Varone also surfaced as the drummer for Skid Row during their 2003 comeback while Kramer pursues a solo career. The group continues to tour sporadically to this very day.
One Step Closer
Saigon Kick Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Both feet and hand
Safe and sound to my cross
I will die
For I have Sinned
Have mercy on my soul
On my soul
On my soul
One step closer
To the setting sun
Your skin's on fire again
One step closer
To the promised land
Your mind's a liar again
One step closer
To the bleeding heart
A bandage for the wound
One step closer
To the only one
I am
'Cause you never could
Light and Heat
From my hand
Burns the flesh of mortal men
I am the sign
From the west
The divine is laid to rest
Laid to rest
Laid to rest
The lyrics to Saigon Kick's One Step Closer seemingly tell a story about a man who has sinned and is now bound both feet and hand to a cross. He is aware of his impending death, but begs for mercy upon his soul. He describes himself as being one step closer to the setting sun and the promised land. It’s essential to note that in many mythologies, the setting sun represents death, while the promised land represents heaven, paradise or another world of peace and contentment.
However, despite his desire to be saved, he speaks of burning the flesh of mortal men with his hand, suggesting he has a special power or a new purpose that he wasn't aware of before, that he is now using for the greater good. He further describes himself as a sign from the West, which might be a reference to the biblical story of the Three Wise Men who followed the star from the East to Bethlehem in search of the newborn Jesus Christ.
The lyrics to One Step Closer are emotional, but they leave many questions unanswered, which is a common trait of Saigon Kick’s music. The song leaves listeners to interpret the meaning behind the lyrics, which is one reason why the band has a dedicated fan base who are drawn to the enigmatic quality of their music.
Line by Line Meaning
I am bound
I am constrained and unable to move.
Both feet and hand
All my limbs are tied up, making me immobile.
Safe and sound to my cross
I am securely fastened to the cross I carry.
I will die
I know that my fate is sealed and I will lose my life.
For I have Sinned
I am fully aware of the sins that I have committed in my life.
Have mercy on my soul
I beg for forgiveness and compassion from a higher power.
On my soul
I am placing my trust in the fate of my soul after death.
One step closer
Moving nearer to a goal or destination.
To the setting sun
Towards the end of the day, or to a point of completion or closure.
Your skin's on fire again
You are feeling intense heat, pain, or passion.
To the promised land
Approaching a place of peace, prosperity, or happiness.
Your mind's a liar again
You are struggling with internal conflicts or deceitful thoughts.
To the bleeding heart
Going towards a source of pain and sorrow.
A bandage for the wound
Seeking a solution or relief to a painful experience or event.
To the only one
Heading towards somebody who is unique or irreplaceable.
I am
Asserting one's identity or existence.
'Cause you never could
Emphasizing one's superiority or ability to achieve something that others could not.
Light and Heat
Intense energy that can cause both illumination and temperature increase.
From my hand
Referring to the origin or source of the energy being generated.
Burns the flesh of mortal men
Causes harm or destruction to human beings.
I am the sign
Indicating one's role as a symbol or representation of a greater concept or idea.
From the west
Referring to a particular direction or location of origin.
The divine is laid to rest
Implies the end of something holy or sacred, and its being put to rest or concluded.
Laid to rest
Further emphasizing the complete ending or finality of a sacred concept or entity.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LARRY CURTIS JOHNSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cameronlee2152
In my opinion Saigon Kick were one of the best bands to form in the 90's. Very unique and extremely underrated.
@dereksanders8152
One of the greatest bands ever. Never got the respect they deserve. I love this band!
@chipford1945
In 1994, I heard this song on a college radio station, but didn't know the name, or who the band was (no SIRIUS/XM back then). Ever since then, I've had tiny bits and pieces of it stuck in my head, but long, long ago abandoned any hope of finding out what song it was.
I literally came across this by accident, and it was like my brain exploded when I realized THIS is the song I've spent 22 years trying to remember.
@layneandcobain420
you sir are welcome! keep on rockin!!!
@Freedom-Fighter1
Chip Ford This song fuckin rocks!! I love these guys!
@cobadogeats
it has been stuck in my head too - never knew who it was! Great tune!
@Moose803
Wow
@primalcomedy
I had a similar experience with golf girl by caravan
@mikemck5150
Hands down the most underrated guitarists ever.
@kellyslowik7905
I saw these guys at Capitol Theatre in Flint MI I am rocking out to them tonight I am 43 I will never grow old !!!! Bring it back !!!!