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.
Cover Queen
Tesla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Looks so good, from her head to feet
[Body English tights and] to me so so sweet
Got a perfect ten, there ain't no doubt
She's the kind of girl you dream about
[Chorus:]
She knows you want it - oh but you'll never get a thing
Ooh what you're doin', baby what she's doin' to me
I'm head over heels, for that cover queen
Dressed to kill, this ain't no game
[Checkin' care of bitch 'cos] needs a life of fame
And everywhere she goes, she's the talk, she's the talk of the town
She keeps it clean, but still gets around
[Chorus]
Ooh, head over heels for the cover queen, ohh
[Solo]
Hey there cover queen, you know the time will come
Where you're not laughin', neither one
'cause the pretty smile will have a brandnew face
Will come along to take your place
You know she's got it, now she's got everything
You know you want it, oh but you'll never get a thing
Ooh what you're doin', baby what she's doin' to me
I'm head over heels, head over heels, for that cover queen
[Solo]
Oh every time I look at you, all I wanna do is get next to you
I see your face in a magazine, the best lookin' bitch that I've ever seen
I'm in love
The song "Cover Queen" by Tesla is a tribute to a woman who seems to have everything that a man may desire. The singer praises her from her head down to her feet, emphasizing her perfect physical attributes. She is the kind of girl that one dreams of, and she is aware of it too. The chorus suggests that the girl has got everything, but the singer can never have her. The verse highlights that she is the center of attention and talk of the town because of her charming personality and fame but she always manages to keep it clean. In the last verse, the singer addresses the girl directly, reminding her that the time will come when someone new will take her place as the best-looking one in a magazine.
The message conveyed in the song is simple yet powerful. It shows how people are enticed by external beauty and become obsessed with it. Additionally, the song teaches a lesson about the fleeting nature of fame and how people in the spotlight are subject to constant scrutiny and competition.
Line by Line Meaning
Looks so good, from her head to feet
The person being talked about is physically attractive and well put together in every aspect.
Got a perfect ten, there ain't no doubt
The individual being described is stunning and flawless, without a doubt.
She's the kind of girl you dream about
The individual being discussed is the kind of person people fantasize about and wish to be with.
You know she's got it - she's got everything
The person being talked about has all the qualities and characteristics that people desire in a romantic partner.
She knows you want it - oh but you'll never get a thing
Despite the person being the desired individual, they have no intention of reciprocating or fulfilling the fantasy of others.
Dressed to kill, this ain't no game
The person being discussed takes pride in their appearance and does not treat their beauty or looks as a joke.
And everywhere she goes, she's the talk, she's the talk of the town
The individual is popular and well-known wherever they go and has a reputation for being gorgeous.
She keeps it clean, but still gets around
She has a reputation for being attractive yet subtle, but still flirtatious and outgoing.
Hey there cover queen, you know the time will come
A warning that despite the individual's beauty, there will come a time where their reign as the center of attention will come to an end.
Where you're not laughin', neither one
A reference to the idea that the higher one climbs, the harder one falls.
Will come along to take your place
New, younger and more attractive people come along and overtake the old ones.
Oh every time I look at you, all I wanna do is get next to you
The artist is attracted to the individual and desires to be with them.
I see your face in a magazine, the best lookin' bitch that I've ever seen
The woman being described is the most beautiful woman the singer has ever laid eyes on and is often seen in magazines.
I'm in love
The singer is completely smitten and in love with the individual being described.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRANK HANNON, JEFF KEITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Randy Long
One of the best bands EVER ' and it's not just that they kick-ass and their talented it's because the meaning behind a lot of their songs ' they're about getting up brushing the freakn dust off yourself and getting back in the stream of life (Hang Tough) and about the Government's BS and Corruption ! I Love this Band and always have and they seem to be about the Love for their Wives and all their family ! The Drummers a little difficult to keep up with also (He's Good) They ALL are ....... Love & God Bless Ya'll and Rock on ....... C-YA ........
6.5 Creedy
My all time forever favorite band ever!!!!!! I was lucky too have seen early early Tesla ,more like blessed too have meant them and hear them as they moved on and up. Nice guys!!!! Thanks for all the great memories guys.
Paul Fournier
One of the biggest baddest Kick-Ass bands of the 80's
Kelli Erin
Jeff Keith. badass vocal. can't believe it's been 30 years
Team Lents
Yep in a flash. I was sitting on a ship on the way to Libya (while in the Marines) out in the middle of the Mediterranean Ocean listening to this on guard duty at 2am. Miss those times
Jeff DeMarcus
Great band. Tesla deserves more attn
Beth Allen
I caught 4 shows this year. Absolutely amazing band! Jeff’s vocals are GREAT. Stronger than ever. I love that he takes the audience into a beautiful, emotional journey, then hits you with a powerful, in your face, bluesy punch! His stage presence, love of his fans, and lyrics that actually mean something, and sense of humor, captivates the crowd. No one leaves a Tesla show early😎 Frank Hannon and Dave Rude are both killing it on guitar, face melting solos, rhythm, acoustic…. it is above and beyond what you hear these days. Brian Wheat is a solid bass player, and that thump is tight and really drives the music. The new drummer, Steve Brown, has absolutely taken Tesla to unimaginable levels. Thunderous, aggressive beats, with a groove! He’s a fantastic dude and you can tell he LOVES playing! You HAVE to see them live!
Kelli Erin
Bad ass Jeff's vocals..💨💨💨pass the Doob🎸🎸🎸✔️🎼🎼
lovin every minute of it
Damn still have that touch, amazing vocals and amazing guitarist and drums....god bless keeping it true to the old school sounds
marco baiocchi
Great Band Good Sound🎶😃!