A popular trio from the city of Trondheim - the capital city of Norwegian Hard Rock. Stage Dolls quickly earned themselves a strong reputation for producing an authentic, glossy American sound married to some exceptional songs. The group's original line-up featured drummer Erlend Antonsen for the debut 'Soldiers Gun' record, produced by Bjørn Nessjø¸ at Nidaros Studios in Trondheim in the Autumn of 1982. Alongside the core personnel of vocalist / guitarist Torstein Flakne, previously a member of The Kids, the ex-Hot Lips duo of bassist Terje Storli and Erlend Antonsen, 'Soldiers Gun' also incorporated a guesting Gunnar Anders Berg with a guitar solo on the track 'Ten Tons' and keyboards courtesy of Bård Svendsen.
The first album was a self financed affair, which at first provoked little interest from the record companies. However, Polydor would be intrigued enough to ask for a potential single resulting in the track 'Soldiers Gun'. Subsequently a deal was struck. Touring across Norway in December of 1984 had the band acting as openers to TNT and having generated fan enthusiasm on the live circuit 'Soldiers Gun' soon surpassed the 20,000 sales mark.
Their first members were guitarist and vocalist Torstein Flakne, bassist Terje Storli and drummer Erlend Antonsen. In 1985 Antonsen left the band and was replaced by Steinar Krokstad. In 1993, Krokstad was replaced by Morten Skogstad. Stage dolls is known for their glam-80s rock sound and has played at every stage in Norway. In the late 80s Stage Dolls toured in the US. Their single "Love cries" went top 3 in the "Album Rock Charts" and no.46 in the Billboard Singles Charts. Now they're back touring Norway all year. Their last album is 2004's "Get a Live" which is a live album based on their 20th Anniversary Concert in their hometown Trondheim.
Other releases are:
'Soldiers Gun' - 1983,
'Commandos' - 1986,
'Stage Dolls' - 1988,
'Stripped' - 1991,
'Stories We Could Tell' - 1994,
'Shoot The Moon' - 1995 (Solo Album - Torstein Flakne),
'Dig[/abum]' - 1997,
'Good times - The Essential Stage Dolls' - 2002,
'Get A Life' - 2004,
'Get A Live' - 2004 (live album)
'Always' - 2010.
Hard to Say Goodbye
Stage Dolls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Rolled the dice and died
Late to say you're sorry
Living on the edge for much to long
Tried to carry on
Hunting down the glory
Say it will be sunshine after rain you-hu
Close your eyes, and dream you life away
Hard to say goodbye
Spread your wings and fly
Hard to say goodbye
When we've just said hello
Somewhere down highway 55
Pulled up to the side
that's the end of story
Your body gets out of this alive
Some live for the pride
And some live for the glory
They say there will be sunshine after rain
Wonder if something stays the same
Close your eyes and dream your life away
It's hard to say goodbye
Spread your wings and fly
Hard to say goodbye
When we've just said hello
The lyrics of Stage Dolls’ song “Hard To Say Goodbye” depict the life of individuals who lived on the edge for too long and sought glory through various means. The first verse talks about Johnny, who took his life through a shotgun, probably unable to take the pressure of living his life. The phrase “rolled the dice and died” likely means that he took his chances, and sadly, luck was not on his side. The line “late to say you’re sorry” suggests that Johnny may have lived a life that he was not proud of, leading him to make the unfortunate decision to end it.
The chorus “Hard to say goodbye, spread your wings and fly, hard to say goodbye when we’ve just said hello” could mean that it is difficult to let go of something or someone you have just met or known for a short period. The phrases “spread your wings and fly” could suggest a metaphorical sense of taking the chance to move forward and start afresh. The second verse carries on with the central theme of the song, talking about someone who has hit the end of the road; irrespective of whether they lived for pride or glory, everyone eventually must face the end.
Overall, the lyrics of the song express a sense of restlessness, chasing after something that one cannot have, and eventually reaching the end of the line. It is a poignant reminder to live every day of our lives to the fullest and appreciate the moments we have.
Line by Line Meaning
Johnny put a shotgun to his head
Johnny committed suicide by shooting himself in the head
Rolled the dice and died
He took a chance and died
Late to say you're sorry
It's too late to apologize
Living on the edge for much too long
He was taking risks for a long time and finally reached the limit
Tried to carry on
He attempted to continue despite difficulties
Hunting down the glory
He was seeking fame and success at all cost
Say it will be sunshine after rain you-hu
It's said that good things will come after bad ones
I wonder if something stays the same you-hu
I question whether anything remains as it is
Close your eyes, and dream your life away
Relax and spend your time idly
Hard to say goodbye
It's tough to bid farewell
Spread your wings and fly
Do what you have to do and succeed
When we've just said hello
We've just met and began to get to know each other
Somewhere down highway 55
Somewhere on the road
Pulled up to the side
Stopped by the roadside
That's the end of story
That concludes the tale
Your body gets out of this alive
You survive physically
Some live for the pride
Some people live for their achievements and self-respect
And some live for the glory
While others live for praise and fame
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TORSTEIN FLAKNE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@TheAwesomeDerek
I'm from America and I love the Stage Dolls. It's a shame they weren't more popular over here. These guys are one of my favorite bands ever. Thanks for posting friend, God bless.
@jtmichaelson
Too bad Stage Dolls didn't make it here in Ameria. I've been a fan since the '89 album while working at a rock station. We got a promo CD of "Love Cries" and I fell in love with the band instantly. But this album, Stripped was the dealmaker for me. I turn many people on to Stage Dolls to this day and they end up loving them, too. They are like my little secret gem I like to show off to people and they are always impressed.
@hmmerfall
from a norwegian. nice
@leslieyao3073
Such a nice song it's a shame today's band can't make song like this
@Haaken25
Stage Dolls har sjukt mange sanger som er bra og som har vært populære blant folk i flere år! Denne er en av de beste
@funman541
Det her va sinnsjukt fint tillaga, bra sang itillegg. god jobb det Sinthane.
@thorbheg
Torstein Flakne knows how to make a good ballad!
@ROCKDRIGOSORTINO
genial cancion
@didmanz90
Så de live i kveld, de er oldschool & vies real rock :)
@LaSalaInstrumentosMusicales
Beautiful song and picts!!!...,congratulation!!!