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.
Gettin' Better
Tesla Lyrics
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It's gettin' better every day
Soon the sun will shine outside my window, when it's gonna come
No I really, I couldn't say
No no no no no no, it's gettin' better every day - thank you
Can you hear it? Oh, it's gettin' better now, every day, yeah yeah yeah yeah
Just a-makin' my way through the jungle today, it's gettin' the best of me
But it's only gettin' better, and a change is gonna come my way
Yes it's only gettin' better, better every day, aha yeah
I've been changin' the scene, if you know what I mean
Good things are comin' my way
And now I'm livin' my life, and I try doin' it right
Sun shinin' every day
Well it's only gettin' better, and a change is gonna come my way
Yes it's only gettin' better, better every day
Now it's only gettin' better, and a change is gonna come my way
Yes it's only so much better, oh, gettin' better every day, yeah
I can feel it, feel it gettin' better, whoa, day and night
I feel it, feel it gettin' better every day
Gettin' better, it's gettin' better, it's gettin' better
The lyrics of "Gettin' Better" by Tesla speak to the struggles of daily life and the hope for a better future. The song begins with a description of the rain outside the window, which seems to be never-ending, but there is a sense of optimism that each day is bringing improvement. The singer acknowledges that they are a hardworking person, doing their best to make ends meet, but the challenges of life can sometimes feel overwhelming.
Despite these difficulties, the chorus emphasizes that things are improving, and a change is coming. The singer anticipates the sun will shine again soon, and good things are on the horizon. By the end of the song, the singer feels confident that their hard work and positive attitude are paying off, and they are living their life and doing it right.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. The repeated refrain of "it's getting better every day" reinforces the idea that progress may be slow, but it is happening, and the future holds promise.
Line by Line Meaning
All that rain outside my window, it goes on and on, I know
I am feeling down and depressed. The rain outside is a metaphor for the negative feelings that seem to have no end.
It's gettin' better every day
Despite the continuous rain, things are slowly improving for me. I am starting to feel better and more positive every day.
Soon the sun will shine outside my window, when it's gonna come
I am hopeful that my current negative situation will not last forever. I am waiting for a brighter and better future.
No I really, I couldn't say
I am not sure when the sun will shine or when things will start to improve. I am just hoping for the best.
Can you hear it? Oh, it's gettin' better now, every day, yeah yeah yeah yeah
I am becoming more certain that things are improving every day, even though it may be hard to hear or see at times.
I'm a hard workin' man, doin' all that I can, tryin' to make ends meet
I am doing my best to survive and make a living, even though it can be very challenging at times.
Just a-makin' my way through the jungle today, it's gettin' the best of me
Life can be difficult and overwhelming, like trying to navigate through a jungle. I feel like life is getting the best of me and I am struggling to keep up.
But it's only gettin' better, and a change is gonna come my way
I am holding onto hope that things will improve and change for the better. I believe that good things are on the horizon for me.
Yes it's only gettin' better, better every day, aha yeah
I am confident that things are getting better for me every day, and I am excited to see where it will take me.
I've been changin' the scene, if you know what I mean
I have been making changes in my life and trying new things. I am actively working towards a better future.
Good things are comin' my way
I have a strong belief that good things are coming to me in the near future.
And now I'm livin' my life, and I try doin' it right
I am focused on living my life to the fullest and becoming a better version of myself. I am trying to make the right choices and decisions.
Sun shinin' every day
I am experiencing more positivity and good things in my life. It feels like the sun is shining every day.
Now it's only gettin' better, and a change is gonna come my way
I am even more certain now that things are improving every day, and I am confident that a positive change is on the way for me.
Yes it's only so much better, oh, gettin' better every day, yeah
I am feeling even more positive and optimistic that my situation is improving every day, and I am excited for what the future holds.
I can feel it, feel it gettin' better, whoa, day and night
I am experiencing a tangible feeling of improvement in my life, both during the day and even when I'm sleeping at night.
I feel it, feel it gettin' better every day
My belief that things are improving every day is growing stronger and stronger, and I feel it more and more each day.
Gettin' better, it's gettin' better, it's gettin' better
Overall, I am definitely feeling more positive and hopeful about my life. Things are getting better, and it's continuing to trend in that direction.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: FRANK HANNON, JEFF KEITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@centralpete6044
My 13 year old daughter asked to look through my old CD collection tonight to see if there was something she might like. I came across my Tesla Greatest Hits CD and my eyes lit up. I told her she’d like these guys and I put this song on. All I had to do was play Gettin’ Betters prelude and the first few seconds after it kicks in and she got excited and said, “Yeah, I like it.” She grabbed it an ran off to her room to listen to it. Proud Papa!
@lorileigh7481
Listening to Tesla's music helped me get through the darkest days in the early 90s.
I'm 60 years old now, and they still remain my favorite band. ✌️
@lauratroxel24
I'm with you 💯💥
@johncleland2332
55 and feel the same. Been listening to Tesla since 1987.
@D.Lee.W
62 yrs here. Can’t say I had dark days back in the late 80’s-90’s, so listening to Tesla makes me long for the good days back then. Sorry you went thru those dark times. Glad to see you made it thru them.
@moparlife430
Tesla? It's getting better every day. Thanks guys for the greatest music. I been rocken since day one. Much love and peace my guys.
@maddiedawerido2359
Still rocks 30 yrs later. They deserve The Rock -N-Roll Hall of Fame!!!!
@michelledobies5775
Totally agree
@mctavish23
@@michelledobies5775 Absolutely.
@joanjett8814
I swear these guys never have gotten the respect in the music industry that I think they deserve.. they are truly so freaking awesome..