His 1983 solo debut album after leaving Thin Lizzy was titled White Flames and spawned the hit single Bird of Paradise.
During the following years, White focused on touring extensively with his White Flames band.
In 1990, he was invited by the then, former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters, to perform in another take of The Wall, by the ruins of the Berlin Wall, among with other guest artists, and delivered a memorable guitar solo in the song Comfortably Numb.
Through the years, he released records under his own name, as well as under the names Snowy White's Blues Agency and Snowy White & the White Flames.
Official Website: Snowy White
Don't Turn Back
Snowy White Lyrics
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It was colder than ice, but morning
I passed near the mountain where snow was lying
I saw the shadow where you lay crying
But I could not turn back, don′t turn back
I came where the sea were angry
Beating the sand in frenzy
Reminding me how it used to be
So I did not turn back, don't turn back
I could not turn back, don′t turn back
I passed where the lies were endless
Then I saw you ahead, defenceless
My vision faded into night
Now I forget who was wrong or right
But I will not turn back, don't turn back
I could never turn back, don't turn back
Got to go home, don′t turn back
Those farther than me too, don′t turn back
Never, never turn back, don't turn back
In Snowy White's "Don't Turn Back," the singer speaks to their inner turmoil as they journey through different locations, both physical and emotional. The first verse describes the beginning of the journey where the singer leaves early in the morning. The reference to a cold morning mirrors the emotional state of the singer, indicating that they are experiencing a sense of isolation and loneliness. As the singer passes near a mountain with snow, they see the shadow of someone crying. Despite wanting to turn back and console this person, the singer feels unable to and urges the person not to turn back either. This may imply that they have experienced difficulty in a relationship, and they have made a decision to leave, even though they may love the other person.
In the second verse, the singer arrives at the beach, where the sea is angry and violent, much like the emotions they are experiencing. The sea acts as a mirror, reminding the singer of the shared experiences with a past partner. However, the singer resists the urge to turn back from their decisions as they head towards an uncertain future. In the third verse, the singer speaks of passing by where the lies were endless, indicating the possible reasons for their decision to leave. They then see their former partner, and their vision fades into the night, representing the end of their relationship. Though the details of who was wrong or right are now forgotten, the singer remains steadfast on the decision they made to leave.
Overall, "Don't Turn Back" reflects the emotional struggle of leaving behind someone you care about despite experiencing difficulties in a relationship. The imagery of different locations, the shadow of a crying figure, and the reflection in the sea all contribute to the lyric's meaning, making it a poignant representation of the challenges of a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
I left when the day was dawning
I left at the break of day
It was colder than ice, but morning
It was a frigid morning
I passed near the mountain where snow was lying
I went by a mountain covered in snow
I saw the shadow where you lay crying
I spotted a shadow where you were weeping
But I could not turn back, don′t turn back
Despite your tears, I couldn't come back, and please don't come back either
I came where the sea were angry
I arrived at the seashore where the sea was furious
Beating the sand in frenzy
Beating the sand with great ferocity
Like a reflection of you and me
Just like we used to be
Reminding me how it used to be
Taking me back to the past
So I did not turn back, don't turn back
Yet, I didn't look back, please don't look back
I could not turn back, don′t turn back
My mind couldn't change, and neither should yours
I passed where the lies were endless
I went through a place of infinite deceit
Then I saw you ahead, defenceless
Suddenly, I spotted you, unable to protect yourself
My vision faded into night
My eyesight dimmed as the sun set
Now I forget who was wrong or right
And now I can't recall who was right or wrong
But I will not turn back, don't turn back
Although everything is hazy, I won't come back, and you shouldn't too
I could never turn back, don't turn back
I'm not capable of changing my mind, neither should you
Got to go home, don′t turn back
I must return home, don't follow me
Those farther than me too, don′t turn back
It's not only me who has to move on, and neither should anyone else who's further away
Never, never turn back, don't turn back
Never look back, it's time to move forward for good
Writer(s): Clinton Sparks, Writers Unknown
Contributed by Lillian K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.