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.
Day Of The Eagle
Tesla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I couldn't seem
To rise up from my bed
I'm not alone, then I am
People seem
To think I'm Superman
I'm livin' in the day of the eagle
Eagle, not the dove
It's like a weight that brings me down
If I don't move, I'm on the ground
It's in my mind, it's in my soul
It's tellin' me the things I can't be told
It's a watch for the love
Livin' in the day of the eagle
Eagle, not the dove
'Nother day, 'nother night
I want to love, they want to fight
I need the time, I've got to be alone
I've got to meet a lover on my own
I watch for the love
Livin' in the day of the eagle
Eagle, not the dove
The lyrics of "Day of the Eagle" by Tesla speak of the struggles of trying to find love and maintain one's own identity in a world that seems to want to bring you down. The opening lines describe the feeling of being stuck or paralyzed in one's current situation, unable to move forward. Despite this feeling of being alone, the singer acknowledges that people see them as a superman or someone who has it all together. However, the singer is simply looking for love and doesn't feel superhuman at all.
The second verse continues to describe the struggle of maintaining one's own identity and not being weighed down by others' opinions or society's expectations. The singer is aware that they must keep moving forward or they will fall to the ground. The struggle is not just physical but also mental and emotional, as the singer tries to listen to their inner voice rather than what others are telling them.
The chorus repeats the phrase "watch for the love" and emphasizes that the singer is living in the "day of the eagle, not the dove." The eagle is a symbol of power and strength while the dove represents peace and love. This suggests that the singer is living in a time where strength and power are valued over love and peace.
Line by Line Meaning
I saw a light, just up ahead
I noticed the possibility of something good coming my way.
But I couldn't seem To rise up from my bed
I was feeling stuck and lacking motivation, unable to make progress.
I'm not alone, then I am
While I may have people around me, in the end, I am solely responsible for my own actions and decisions.
People seem To think I'm Superman
Others may look up to me or expect a lot from me, but I am only human and have my own limitations and vulnerabilities.
But I watch for the love
Despite life's challenges, I remain focused on the positive things worth fighting for.
I'm livin' in the day of the eagle
I am striving to live in a time of strength, power, and freedom.
Eagle, not the dove
I choose to embrace the fierce and bold qualities of the eagle over the peaceful but passive nature of the dove.
It's like a weight that brings me down
I feel weighed down or burdened by negative thoughts or circumstances.
If I don't move, I'm on the ground
If I don't actively work towards my goals and dreams, I risk remaining stagnant and unfulfilled.
It's in my mind, it's in my soul
These feelings and experiences are deeply ingrained within me and shape who I am.
It's tellin' me the things I can't be told
Despite external advice or opinions, there are certain lessons or truths that only I can learn through my own experiences.
'Nother day, 'nother night
Time passes by in a cyclical, repetitive manner.
I want to love, they want to fight
While I seek love and connection with others, some people are more focused on conflict and struggle.
I need the time, I've got to be alone
At times, I require solitude to reflect and recharge before engaging with the world again.
I've got to meet a lover on my own
I am searching for love and companionship, but I won't compromise my individuality or integrity in the process.
Livin' in the day of the eagle
I continue to strive for personal strength and freedom, even in the face of adversity.
Eagle, not the dove
I remain committed to embracing the bold and daring qualities of the eagle over the gentleness and timidity of the dove.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ROBIN TROWER
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!!!!!