Formation and early acclaim (1990-2000)
Steelheart had the line-up of Matijevic (vocals), Chris Risola (guitar), Frank DiCostanzo (guitar), James Ward (bass), and John Fowler (drums) when the band's self-titled debut album came out in 1990. Musically, their work featured a style similar to hard rock and pop metal acts of the day, examples being Ratt and Whitesnake, yet the guys scored a coup in working with seminal producer Mark Opitz, who had worked on iconic rock releases such as AC/DC's 'Powerage'. The guys found themselves hitting the big time as the album reached #40 on the Billboard 200 chart, the band's fan-base growing around the world.
'Steelheart' sold 33,000 albums on its first day in Japan alone. Before too long, the album even hit platinum status. In terms of specific songs, the power ballad "She's Gone" showcased Matijevic's incredible vocal range and hit #1 on several international charts. Second single "I'll Never Let You Go (Angel Eyes)" reached #14 in the U.S. while its related music video soon became MTV's 2nd most requested clip. "Everybody Loves Eileen" and "Can't Stop Me Lovin' You", the latter tune further showing off Matijevic's vocal range yet also giving lead guitarist Risola time to shine, had accompanying music videos created for them as well.
Steelheart's next effort, "Tangled In Reins" was a much more mixed combination than the debut, with sleaze glam songs like "Sticky Side Up" to smooth ballads such as "Mama Don't You Cry". Also, the song, "Steelheart", featured Matijevic hitting his highest note of the three albums. The album wasn't as much a commercial success, reaching only #144 on the billboard charts, a sign that the grunge invasion was taking force. Steelheart was later asked by the heavy metal band, Slaughter, to go on tour with them. Nearing the end of the tour, Slaughter asked Steelheart to perform one last show which would occur in Denver, Colorado. The show took place on Halloween night, a night which will forever be remembered by Steelheart fans. While performing, "Dancing in the Fire", a hit from the "Tangled in Reins" album, Matijevic decided to climb a lighting truss, which was inproperly secured. Matijevic tried to dodge the massive rig, but without success.
The 1000 pound truss hit Matijevic on the back of the head, driving one of the greatest vocalists of all time, face first into the stage, breaking his nose, cheekbone, jaw and twisting his spine. Matijevic miraculously found the strength to walk off the stage and he was immediately taken to a hospital. "Steelheart" ended that night, at least for a while, after a very impressive career.
Four years later, Matijevic formed a new version of Steelheart with Kenny Kanowski (guitars), Vincent Mele (bass) and Alex Makarovich (drums) to record and release the album "Wait". The album was very different to the previous two albums. The single "Wait" went #1 in many Asian countries, however that was the main area of the album's success, the grunge invasion causing the American European markets to be near closed to classic rock. Original member James Ward joined Steelheart on the tour supporting the album. Also on the "Wait" album, "We All Die Young", the first track, was in the motion picture, "Rock Star," starring Mark Wahlberg. Matijevic stated that "Wait" was the choice of the title because it took a long time to gain freedom from the record company and his greedy manager, who was taking more than what was his.
Recent work and major events (2000-2015)
The band's website made available "LOL (Laughing Out Loud)", "Twisted Future", and "Buried Unkind", as well as the previously released track "We All Die Young", from Steelheart's album Wait. Steelheart's new sound is modern and edgy while still retaining overtones of Miijenko Matijevic's roots. The live Steelheart DVD is also available online. Meanwhile, former drummer for Steelheart, John Fowler, is working on two new projects- the Voodoo Jets and Smoke, Chris Risola has a guitar studio and joined Steelheart for the Just A Taste tour.
The group's two most recent albums are 2006's Just a Taste and 2008's Good 2B Alive.
Website: http://www.steelheart.com
Forgive Me
Steelheart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't mean to offend you
I don't mean to condemn you
Forgive me - but I love you
I don't mean to wound you
And I don't mean to punish you
I know, Know I made you suffer through
Yeah, I know I'm fast to criticize
Sometimes my mouth runs wild
I don't know why
But I know one thing is true
Forever, forever, I will love you
The song "Forgive Me" by Steelheart is a heartfelt plea for forgiveness from someone the singer has hurt in the past. The lyrics express regret and a deep sense of love for the person they have hurt, acknowledging their own faults and asking for forgiveness. The singer admits to being too quick to criticize and speaks of their own propensity for hurtful words which have caused the other person pain.
The overall tone of the song is one of remorse and a desire to make amends for past mistakes. The lyrics are a reminder that even the people we love can hurt us, and that forgiveness is an essential part of any meaningful relationship.
The chorus, "Forgive me - but I love you" is repeated throughout the song and highlights the idea that love and forgiveness are intertwined. While we may make mistakes and hurt one another, true love requires the willingness to admit fault and ask for forgiveness.
Overall, "Forgive Me" is a powerful and emotional song that explores the complexities of human relationships and the importance of forgiveness.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't mean to hurt you
I have no intention of causing you any harm
I don't mean to offend you
I do not intend to insult or upset you
I don't mean to condemn you
I do not intend to judge or criticize you harshly
Forgive me - but I love you
Please pardon my mistakes, but my feelings for you are true
I don't mean to wound you
I do not mean to inflict deep emotional or physical damage upon you
And I don't mean to punish you
I do not intend to inflict suffering or penalties upon you
I know, Know I made you suffer through
I understand that my actions or words have caused you pain
Forgive me - but I love you
Please pardon my mistakes, but my feelings for you are true
Yeah, I know I'm fast to criticize
I realize that I am prone to judging or finding fault quickly
Sometimes my mouth runs wild
Occasionally, I say things impulsively or without thinking them through
I don't know why
I am uncertain why I behave or speak in a certain way
But I know one thing is true
However, I am certain that I love you deeply
Forever, forever, I will love you
My love for you is strong and everlasting
Contributed by Lauren F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ლევანი ამირიძე
+Hieu Nguyen
"Forgive Me"
I don't mean to hurt you
I don't mean to offend you
I don't mean to condemn you
Forgive me - but I love you
I don't mean to wound you
And I don't mean to punish you
I know, Know I made you suffer through
Forgive me - but I love you
Yeh, I know I'm fast to criticize
Sometimes my mouth runs wild
I don't know why
But I know one thing is true
Forever, forever, I will love you
Zoraida Villa
Last night I saw this guy back stage at his Concert in PR. He honors me singing this son with his guitar. WOW, that's was awesome. I don't have words to express my gratitude to Steelheart. Son maravillosos! No solo eso, canto otras 2 canciones mas. Toca la guitarra como los angeles. Los felicito y les agradecemos que nos hayan permitido estar con ellos hasta que se fueron al hotel. Thanks! Thanks! Thanks! Chris Rissola is a wonderful guy.
Draghita Tismanaru
Love this song. It's so so so beautiful
boneshaker crane
What a beautiful song
Denise Hedden
And every1 wonders why I love this Man he puts his feelings into song's & he's such a Powerful story teller brings word's to life n every song. He stole my heart long time ago but he's such a Beautiful Man with a Beautiful Soul & unique beautiful vocals! Love ya Mili 🕸🖤🕸🎤🕸🎸🕸👄🕸✌🕸☝️🕸🎹🕸
Lg Capture5
Amen same for me ...All the songs are like a story from my life
Denise Hedden
Feels like he knows how much I love & hurt so easily beautiful song 💝🖤💝
Denise Hedden
@Lg Capture5 are you sure there not? I wonder myself I love this song
Denise Hedden
@Lg Capture5 Hey, sorry didn't know any1 posting...how are you? I'm going through more vids, music. Take care ttyl
anne hanks
There are so many beautiful songs out there. They are totally amazing and I would have to rank this one among some of my favorites: stunning and haunting this song is and Mili is a great talent! so glad he fought his way back. Thank you Mili for this music.
Graham Long
Check out we are by heaven 😃😃😂