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
Wait
Steelheart Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All caught up, I fight the wait.
Am I the one that hides the pain, After all the fights the same.
Wait,
Wait, feel my heart it's slowing down
Wait,
I'm waiting for love cause I need you now.
and though it's sad, I lie,
the frozen sunshine and crowed rain, I switch reasons,
here it comes again.
Wait,
I'm waiting, feel my heart it's slowing down
Wait,
I'm waiting for love cause I need you now
I need you now
(yes....so I reach for light......I feel.....nothing)
You know, You know love is hard to find, I don't let me go
I try, I try
Wait
I'm waiting, feel my heart it's slowing down
Wait,
I'm waiting for love, cause I need you now
I need you now
Oh, Oh, (feel my heart) It's slowing down
Oh yea, Oh yea, I'm waiting for love
I need you now
Wait
The lyrics of Steelheart's song WAIT convey a sense of loneliness and desperation. The singer is struggling with the wait for someone to love him and ease his pain. He feels as though he is the only one who hides his heartache, even though everyone else must be struggling with their own battles. The world feels bleak and desolate, and the only thing he wants is to be loved by someone who can help him forget his troubles.
The song seems to be an acknowledgement of the difficulties of finding love and the pain that often comes with it. The singer references the "frozen sunshine and crowed rain," suggesting that even in the best of times, there is darkness lurking just beneath the surface. However, he is willing to endure the wait, because he knows that love is worth it in the end.
Overall, the lyrics of WAIT are a powerful expression of the universal human desire for connection and companionship. The singer's vulnerability and heartfelt plea for love make this song a standout in Steelheart's discography.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't the world such a lonely place
The singer observes that the world is a lonely place
All caught up, I fight the wait
Despite being caught up in things, the singer fights the feeling of waiting for something
Am I the one that hides the pain, After all the fights the same
The singer wonders if they are the only one hiding their pain, especially given that most fights have the same outcome
Wait, Wait, feel my heart it's slowing down
The singer implores the listener to wait and pay attention to the physical sensations they are experiencing
I'm waiting for love cause I need you now
The singer is waiting for love as they feel they need someone now
Heaven must try to steer us right and though it's sad, I lie, the frozen sunshine and crowed rain, I switch reasons, here it comes again
The singer believes that there are external forces trying to guide us towards the right path, and despite their own sadness, they still choose to see both the good and the bad in life
You know, You know love is hard to find, I don't let me go, I try, I try
The singer acknowledges that love is difficult to find but expresses determination to hold onto it when it comes their way
Oh, Oh, (feel my heart) It's slowing down, Oh yea, Oh yea, I'm waiting for love
Reiterating the earlier sentiment, the singer expresses that they can feel their heart slowing down and that they are waiting for love
I need you now, Wait
The singer needs someone now and begs the listener to wait for them to figure out what they want
Contributed by Leo G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@embracemuan1990
LYRIC
Ain't the world such a loney place
All caught up, I fight the wait.
Am I the one that hides the pain, After all the fights the same.
Wait,
Wait, feel my heart it's slowing down
Wait,
I'm waiting for love cause I need you now.
Heaven must try to steer us right
And though it's sad, I lie,
The frozen sunshine and crowed rain,
I switch reasons,
Here it comes again.
Wait,
I'm waiting, feel my heart it's slowing down
Wait,
I'm waiting for love cause I need you now
I need you now
(yes....so I reach for light......
I feel.....nothing)
You know, You know love is hard to find,
I don't let me go
I try, I try
Wait
I'm waiting, feel my heart it's slowing down
Wait,
I'm waiting for love, cause I need you now
I need you now
Oh, Oh, (feel my heart) It's slowing down
Oh yea, Oh yea, I'm waiting for love
I need you now
Wait
@jonrogers1361
This song has helped me through some very scary times in my life and I have listened to steelheart since I was a kid and now I have my own band and we play a lot of tributes to steelheart and maybe on I will meet them again
@LisaPerkins8891
This is a great song! I love this man's voice!!!!!!!!!!!
@gorgoneatertia6954
Different than the classic Steelheart, but so cool... With Miljenko's vocals every song is amazingly beautiful
@karinrose7004
como eu amo.. mas como eu amo a voz desse cara Miljenko Matijevic I love Steelheart
@donnajackson3831
Amazing! Mili had to go through so much therapy after his stage accident with Steelheart but you sure can't tell here! Absolute amazing talent this man has and a great comeback story! Love Ya Mili!!โฃ
@trinitytrin5265
So much heartache in this world and Miljenko Matijevic sings with such love and compassion for all ...amazing man and vocals.
@LuckyBarber
An absolutely beautiful song; it gives me goose bumps each time I listen to it. Thank you, Steelheart, for your talent and for doling the world your soul-inspiring music.
@Julie2000ism
Just discovered this song! Pure talent. I can't take 80's hair/glam bands with make ups, marginal talent and lame songs. Never into hair bands for that reason. This guy is an exception. Not only he can hit high notes, he can manipulate notes like no other. Funny, I became Steelheart/Mili fan in the 21st century. I will go see him even if he has no hair!
@denisehedden13
Mili of Steelheart is so creative and more than I can truly say it feels like his words in his song's are talking to me about my life. I love this song & this Man. Beautiful song Beautiful Job 100% Magical powers in his soulโ๏ธ
@donnablanchard9218
Beautiful song and GORGEOUS man!!!!!!ย ย Mili sings with so much emotion and passion.....he has to have a beautiful soul!!!!!!!ย I could listen to him and Steve Perry sing all day long!!!!!