The band first reached substantial commercial success with its third studio album Fight for the Rock (1986), which peaked at number 158 on the Billboard 200. Its next four albums—Hall of the Mountain King (1987), Gutter Ballet (1989), Streets: A Rock Opera (1991) and Edge of Thorns (1993)—were also successful but more critically acclaimed than Fight for the Rock. On October 17, 1993, six months after the release of Edge of Thorns, guitarist Criss Oliva was killed in a car accident. Following his death, Jon (along with producer Paul O'Neill) decided to continue Savatage in memory of his brother. The band released four more studio albums, and went through several line-up changes before going on an extended hiatus in 2002. During the years—partly even before the hiatus—members founded various new bands such as Jon Oliva's Pain, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Circle II Circle and Doctor Butcher. On August 2, 2014, Savatage announced that they were reuniting for the 2015 Wacken Open Air; despite having discussed the possibility of more shows and new music, the band went on hiatus once again. Although Savatage technically remains inactive, half of the members of the band claimed in interviews during throughout 2020 and 2021 that they have been working on new material for a possible follow-up to Poets and Madmen (2001).
Studio albums
Sirens (1983)
Power of the Night (1985)
Fight for the Rock (1986)
Hall of the Mountain King (1987)
Gutter Ballet (1989)
Streets: A Rock Opera (1991)
Edge of Thorns (1993)
Handful of Rain (1994)
Dead Winter Dead (1995)
The Wake of Magellan (1997)
Poets and Madmen (2001)
Strange Wings
Savatage Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I, I caught a glimpse from the depths of my eyes
Atop a black winged mare
Casting a wicked stare
She throws her head back
And rides into the night
She flies strange wings
She flies strange wings
Still tears she cries
Oh I, I followed her
To the brink of dawn, yeah
She, she took control of my very soul, yeah
She's still a mystery
In her arms I long to be
I don't know why
I turn and reach to the sky
She flies strange wings
Behind a thin disguise
She flies strange wings
Still tears she cries
She flies strange wings
Behind a thin disguise
She flies strange wings
Still tears she cries
Strange Wings
Behind a thin disguise
Strange Wings
The lyrics to Savatage's "Strange Wings" describes a woman who is mysterious and enigmatic. The singer catches a glimpse of her from the depths of his eyes and sees that she is a native of the stormy skies. Upon a black winged mare, she casts a wicked stare and rides into the night. The woman is able to control the singer's very soul and he longs to be in her arms. However, she is still a mystery to him and he does not know why he turns and reaches to the sky.
The repetition of the phrase "strange wings" in the chorus emphasizes the woman's supernatural and unknown nature. The fact that she is hiding behind a thin disguise adds to her intrigue and makes the singer want to learn more about her. The tears that she cries show that there is more to her than what meets the eye.
Overall, the lyrics of "Strange Wings" depict a woman who is both captivating and mysterious, and the singer is drawn to her even though he does not fully understand her.
Line by Line Meaning
She is a native of the stormy skies, yeah
She hails from the dangerous and unpredictable regions of the skies where storms are frequent.
I, I caught a glimpse from the depths of my eyes
I saw her briefly but my impression of her went deep.
Atop a black winged mare
She rides a dark and ominous horse with wings.
Casting a wicked stare
She glaring at me with malice.
She throws her head back
She intentionally tosses back her head in a dramatic way.
And rides into the night
She takes off on horseback into the darkness.
She flies strange wings
She soars through the sky with unusual wings that are different from what we normally see.
Behind a thin disguise
Her wings may look ordinary at first, but they conceal something strange beneath the surface.
Still tears she cries
Despite her tough exterior, she remains vulnerable and emotional, shedding tears.
Oh I, I followed her
I pursued her and tried to keep up with her on her journey.
To the brink of dawn, yeah
I followed her all night, until daybreak.
She, she took control of my very soul, yeah
She had a powerful effect on me, capturing my spirit and attention.
She's still a mystery
She remains an enigma that I cannot fully comprehend.
In her arms I long to be
Despite the danger she poses, I desire to be near her and under her protection.
I don't know why
I am unsure of my own emotions and motivations.
I turn and reach to the sky
I look upwards and yearn for something beyond my grasp.
Strange Wings
Her wings are unusual and intriguing.
Behind a thin disguise
Her wings are not what they appear to be, hiding something peculiar within them.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHRISTOPHER M OLIVA, JOHN N OLIVA, JON OLIVA, PAUL O'NEILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Naves_7
Lyrics:
She is a native of the stormy skies, yeah
I, I caught a glimpse from the depths of my eyes
Atop a black winged mare
Casting a wicked stare
She throws her head back
And rides into the night
She flies strange wings
Behind a thin disguise
She flies strange wings
Still tears she cries
Oh I, I followed her
To the brink of dawn, yeah
She, she took control of my very soul, yeah
She's still a mystery
In her arms I long to be
I don't know why
I turn and reach to the sky
She flies strange wings
Behind a thin disguise
She flies strange wings
Still tears she cries
She flies strange wings
Behind a thin disguise
She flies strange wings
Still tears she cries
Strange Wings
Behind a thin disguise
Strange Wings
slayer 198
So many wonderful memories I have of their shows back in the 80s. So very happy I could witness their magic at these Chicago concerts ..
A number of killer shows at the Vic (some guy fell off the balcony it rocked so much!)
A number of killer shows at the Thirsty Whale (fucking madhouse!)
killer show at the Gateway Theater (burned one with Jon in the parking lot - such a cool guy!!)
killer show at the Metro
Super killer show at Chances R - Palatine (they came on stage at 1 AM, then burned the fucking place down the music was so hot!)
There might be more! The 80s were a blur to me! :)
I swear I smoke coming off of Criss' fingers when he played. Such a gift he had - he left way too early! Jon was never a let down with his voice. Pure magic!!!!
Seeing some of the old vids here on youtube are awesome as well - just as I remember! Fuck Yeah!!!
Thanks so much Savatage for so much joy in my life!!!! Never forget!!!
DrRxDoomsday
This album is so underrated that its a blessing to metal heads that find it
#Walkaway Texas
Joshua Lamont. I wore this cassette out. Literally!! 1985..
A30ot6
Its in my top ten all time albums. Up with rare company like "Sad Wings of Destiny"....
Veronica Bellucci
I LOVE Savatage!
Common Sense
Yea still have this album and sirens saw them with Testament back in the 90s
Dr. Jones
You aren't kidding brother, A30otb!
Top 6, with Sad Wings of Destiny at 5
Veronica Bellucci
People talk about "underrated" bands. Savatage really IS an underrated band--true metal, excellent guitar riffs, excellent vocalist.
Thomas van der Aa Kühle
So true Veronica :)
Mauro Gonzalez
The guitar riffs are insane!! Best thing of the band
Veronica Bellucci
Dafyd Maddz I agree. Underrated, tight band. Saw them when coming over from Italy to U.S. glad I did.