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.
Welcome To My Nightmare
Steve Lukather Lyrics
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I think you're gonna like it
I think you're gonna feel
You belong
A nocturnal vacation
Unnecessary sedation
You want to feel at home
Welcome to my nightmare, yeah
Welcome to my breakdown
I hope I didn't scare you
That's just the way we are
When we come down
We sweat and laugh and scream here
Cause life is just a dream here
You know inside you feel
Right at home here
Welcome to my breakdown, whoa
You're welcome to my nightmare, yeah
Welcome to my nightmare
I know you're gonna like it
I think you're gonna feel
You belong
We sweat, laugh and scream here
Cause life is just a dream here
You know inside you feel
Right at home here
Welcome to my nightmare, whoa
Welcome to my breakdown
Welcome to my breakdown, whoa
Welcome to my nightmare, yeah
The song "Welcome to My Nightmare" by Steve Lukather is a rock anthem that explores the idea of a surreal, dreamlike state as a metaphor for the ups and downs of life. The song is a welcoming invitation to the listener to indulge in a nocturnal vacation, to lose oneself in this alternate reality and embrace the unexpected.
The opening lines set the tone for the song; the singer welcomes the listener to his nightmare, anticipating that they will enjoy the experience and feel comfortable in this strange dream-like world. The song then goes on to describe the surreal and outlandish aspects of this world, including unnecessary sedation, sweating, laughing, and screaming, and the overall sense of belonging that comes with it.
Ultimately, "Welcome to My Nightmare" is a celebration of the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life, and an affirmation that even our darkest moments can offer a sense of belonging and comfort. The song is an invitation to surrender and let go, to embrace the madness and enjoy the ride.
Line by Line Meaning
Welcome to my nightmare
This is a place where I confront my fears and struggles, come join me.
I think you're gonna like it
I have confidence that you will find familiarity and solace in my nightmare.
I think you're gonna feel
You will experience emotions that may be intense but will also be cathartic in nature.
You belong
This is a community of those who have experienced trauma, we understand your struggles and are here for you.
A nocturnal vacation
This is a respite from the drudgery of the waking world, a time for reflection and introspection.
Unnecessary sedation
We use various coping mechanisms, even if they are not the most healthy, to escape the pain of reality.
You want to feel at home
In our nightmare, we can create a version of home that feels more welcoming than the one we were given in reality.
Cause you belong
Together, we are a dysfunctional family, bonded by our shared experiences.
I hope I didn't scare you
I don't want to push you beyond your limits, but rather provide you with a safe space.
That's just the way we are
Our quirks and eccentricities make us who we are, but they also make us stronger.
When we come down
When we are forced to confront the realities of the world, it can be jarring and even traumatic.
We sweat and laugh and scream here
Our emotions can be overwhelming, but we express them freely and without judgment.
Cause life is just a dream here
In our nightmare, we can reclaim agency and control over our lives.
You know inside you feel
Intuition guides us here, and we can trust ourselves completely.
Right at home here
This is where we belong and where we can be our truest selves.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Spirit Music Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Alice Cooper, Dick Wagner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind