Lukather made himself famous by being the most sought-after session guitarist in LA in the 70s and 80s. He would walk into a studio last minute and lay down perfect tracks the first time, in whatever style required.
Known to his friends as "Luke" he still records and tours with Toto (2005) and continues to be an in-demand studio player and producer.
Influenced by the blues-rock pioneers such as Hendrix, and Jimmy Page, jazz guitarists such as Larry Carlton, and funk/fusion virtuosos such as Al Di Meola, Lukather's style is unique. He is known for fast, melodic, yet bluesy lines. His vibrato is very pronounced and steady. In interviews, he explains how he thinks of the guitar in a 'chordal cluster' format, and not the typical linear 'scale format'.
In addition to the high level of ability Steve Lukather has developed over the years, he also has built one of the largest effects rack of any rock guitarist. His tone is very 'signature', with a smooth overdrive/distortion, deep stereo delay, and all sorts of various effects on tap.
Transition
Steve Lukather Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What happens after death
After many years in life and all the love
And the pain i have endured
I take one long last breath
Hoping that mistakes i've made
The promises i broke have all been cured
My smiles and fears
But i can't let go of you
(Instrumental)
The instrumental portion of Steve Lukather's song Transition sets a contemplative and reflective tone, allowing listeners to ponder the lyrics that follow. The lyrics touch on the concept of life after death, and the complex emotions that come with nearing the end of one's life. The opening lines ask a question that has been asked throughout human history: what happens after we die? While the answer may be unknowable, the lyrics suggest that it is something that weighs heavily on the mind of the singer.
The following lines reflect on a life filled with both joy and pain, and suggest that the singer is coming to terms with the choices they have made. They express a desire for redemption, hoping that mistakes and broken promises will be forgiven. The line "I shed my tears, my smiles, and fears" captures the wholeness of a life lived, with both successes and regrets. However, even with the acceptance of mortality, the singer cannot let go of their love for someone, indicating that the song may be about the impact of death on relationships.
Overall, Transition is a poignant and introspective song that encourages listeners to reflect on the nature of life and death. The instrumental portion sets a contemplative tone that is carried throughout the lyrics, which touch on themes of love, regret, and the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
What happens after death
Contemplating what comes next beyond this life.
After many years in life and all the love
Reflecting on a life lived and the relationships experienced.
And the pain i have endured
Acknowledging the difficulties and hardships faced in life.
I take one long last breath
Preparing for the final moments of existence.
Hoping that mistakes i've made
Wishing for redemption for any wrongs committed.
The promises i broke have all been cured
Desiring resolution for any broken commitments.
I shed my tears
Expressing emotions in the face of the end of life.
My smiles and fears
Reflecting on both the joys and challenges of life experienced.
But i can't let go of you
Holding onto a significant relationship or connection that transcends life itself.
Writer(s): Ryuichi Sakamoto, Steven Lee Lukather, Alva Noto, Jeffrey Lynn Vanston, Steve Weingart Copyright: Kab America Inc., Monkeyfactory O.B.O. King Brill Music
Contributed by Xavier G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
PaJó Afonso
Steve Lukather - vocals, guitars, production
C.J. Vanston - keyboards, production
Steve Weingart - keyboards
Renee Jones - bass
Eric Valentine - drums
Lee Sklar - bass
Nathan East - bass
John Pierce - bass
Tal Wilkenfeld - bass
Gregg Bissonette - drums
Chad Smith - drums
Tos Panos - drums
Phil Collen - bg vocals
Glen Mccarthy
Strange mix of the sublime and the melancholy, this guy never fails to impress.
crumb0000
This guy is Numero Uno. Long live Guitarus Maximus Lukather.
Marie Christine GLaunec
Superbe album j'adore 💕 ❣️ 🙏😎 🤩 du grand STEVE FOREVER 👏😜
Declan Jones
Easily one of the best guitar solos of all time!
Edgar Nieto
WTF? is amazing..!!!!! Steve is the most talented guitar player and composer i have ever heard
Pam C
Loving when he plays soft and sultry. So beautiful.
roxana garnica
I think no words could describe how beautiful this song is. God bless you dear Luke. Thx Filip Molnár!
Nadenka gr
I love it!!!!
papo torres
This is taking it up big time , hats off Steve , a must have ! Alfred Puerto Rico.
John Bauer
The vocals sounded like Toto meets Emerson Lake and Palmer! Brilliant!