Tesla's music fit well with the blasting sounds of their 80s hair metal and glam rock contemporaries. Yet it was more bluesy and lyrics dealt with other themes than just the usual, girls, alcohol and violence. But what set them even more apart from their contemporaries was their t-shirt and jeans image, a 'street' look reminiscent of the Ramones (and other 70s punk groups) that was in strong contrast of the leather, spandex, and flashy-make type look of the time.
The band's early lifespan as City Kidd brought them considerable frustration, with them failing to break into the musical mainstream while also competing with another band with the same name. Their mutation into Tesla provided a clear shot at success. 'Mechanical Resonance', their debut that the boys released in 1986, became a commercial smash while also receiving significant critical praise. That album was certified platinum by the RIAA on October 5, 1989.
In total, the group has released six studio albums with original music, the latest of them being 2008's 'Forever More'. They have also created a a double-disc covers album, titled 'Real To Reel', as well as a number of compilations and live albums. Their sound has focused on a particularly melodic and accessible kind of hard rock with strong shades of classic heavy metal as well.
Tesla's popular 1990 remake of Signs, originally recorded by the Five Man Electrical Band (who also inspired the album which the remake came from, Five Man Acoustical Jam), is probably the most mainstream of Tesla's hits. However, many fans remember fondly Tesla's other hits such as Gettin' Better, Modern Day Cowboy, Little Suzi, Edison's Medicine and Love Song.
The band derived their name, certain album and song names (e.g. The Great Radio Controversy, Mechanical Resonance, etc), and some song content from events relating to Nikola Tesla, a Serbian-American inventor and electrical engineer born in the 19th century in Smiljan, Austria-Hungary, modern day Croatia.
Cominn Atcha Live
Tesla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm a mean machine, I'm the kind you don't wanna meet
My middle name is trouble, I'm a danger in the street
My motor's in overdrive, I got my pedal to the floor
Never get enough, always comin' back for more - yeah yeah
Here I come, better step aside
I'm the one you want, I never give a warning twice
Anything could happen like the rollin' of the dice - now!
Here I come, you better step aside
Here I come, comin' atcha live
Comin' at you live - comin' atcha live
Comin' at you live - comin' atcha live
Comin' at you live - oh here I come
Come on!
[Solo]
Comin' at you live - I'm comin' atcha live
Comin' at you live - comin' atcha live
Comin' at you live - oh here I come
Comin' at you live - step aside, oh step aside
Ow! Ow! Oh yeah, here I come - here I come!
The song "Comin' Atcha Live" by Tesla is a hard-driving, upbeat rock song that celebrates and glorifies the wild and dangerous lifestyle of a rebellious, law-breaking rider. The opening lyrics set the scene for the song by introducing the singer as a mean machine and troublemaker who is a danger in the street. The singer takes pride in his machine, and he has his pedal to the floor, which emphasizes his need for speed and the rush of adrenaline that comes with it. The chorus reinforces his reckless personality, as he declares that he is coming full force and approaching his adversary with no warning, promising a high-octane, thrill-ride experience.
The middle section of the song showcases a guitar solo, where the electrifying and virtuosic riffs synchronize with the spirited lyrics to embolden the listener. The music accompanying the lyrics elevates the heart rate and increases the intensity of the song, creating an edge-of-your-seat atmosphere as the singer proclaims his unstoppable nature. The song ends with the same lyrics that showcase the singer's dangerous persona while reiterating his message that he is unstoppable and that he is coming at his adversary with full force.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm a mean machine, I'm the kind you don't wanna meet
I am exceptionally powerful and dangerous, and you don't want to face me.
My middle name is trouble, I'm a danger in the street
Causing problems and danger is essential for me and something I excel at, especially on the street.
My motor's in overdrive, I got my pedal to the floor
I am going all-out with extreme effort, and I'm not slowing down.
Never get enough, always comin' back for more - yeah yeah
I can never get enough of what I want, and I keep coming back for more no matter what.
Here I come, better step aside
I'm on my way, so you better make some room or get out of the way.
I'm the one you want, I never give a warning twice
I'm the person you desire, and I never repeat my warnings or give you another chance.
Anything could happen like the rollin' of the dice - now!
Anything can happen, even if it's random, like tossing a pair of dice - it's happening now.
Comin' at you live - comin' atcha live
I'm heading your way; this is not a recording - it's happening right now.
step aside, oh step aside
Move out of my path, right now!
Oh yeah, here I come - here I come!
I'm on the way right now - you can't stop me!
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALAN JAY LERNER, KURT WEILL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Christopher N. Savage
on Getting' Better
A shame that you can't see the original video, but this tune has the passion and power to lift you up and brighten your day!!!!!