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.
Lazy Days Crazy Nights
Tesla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But not quite feelin' fine.
Now, I've got to get my shit together,
Still, little bit closer to the line.
But I love those lazy days and crazy nights.
It's my way, it's my life.
I love those lazy days and crazy nights.
Needless for you to worry,
No use in losin' sleep.
Now, I really do appreciate it.
For all your concern for me.
But I love those lazy days and crazy nights.
It's my way, it's my life.
I love those lazy days and crazy nights.
I'm doin' fine right here on borrowed time.
Ridin' through stormy weather.
So high I can't look down.
Still I've got to get it together
Cause I'm lost in the lost in found.
But I love those lazy days and crazy nights.
It's my way, it's my life.
I love those lazy days and crazy nights.
I love those lazy days and crazy nights.
Lazy days and crazy nights.
Give it to me. Lazy days and crazy nights.
Can't do without those lazy days and crazy nights.
Now, I'm doin' fine right here on borrowed t-t-t-time.
The lyrics to Tesla's song Lazy Days Crazy Nights express a sense of freedom and acceptance of living life on one's own terms. The singer admits to feeling better but not quite fine and needing to "get their shit together" but still staying close to the line. Despite this, they love the lazy days and crazy nights and declare that it is their way and their life. They do not want their loved ones to worry, acknowledging their concern but assuring them that they are doing fine on borrowed time. The singer then describes "ridin' through stormy weather" and feeling lost in the "lost in found" but still affirming their love for the lazy days and crazy nights. The lyrics express a sense of living in the moment and enjoying life regardless of circumstance or consequence.
One interesting fact about the song is that it was included in Tesla's 2019 album, Shock, which was produced by Def Leppard's Phil Collen. Another interesting fact is that Tesla has been cited as an influence on popular bands such as Alter Bridge and Daughtry. The song was also used in the soundtrack of the 2020 movie The Outpost. The song was co-written by guitarist Frank Hannon and lead vocalist Jeff Keith. The band formed in 1981 and was named after inventor and electrical engineer Nikola Tesla. The song was released as a single in 1986 and became one of their most popular songs, receiving airplay on MTV and reaching number 35 on the Mainstream Rock chart.
The chords for Lazy Days Crazy Nights by Tesla are:
Verse: E, A, D, A
Pre-Chorus: E, D, A, D
Chorus: A, D, E
Line by Line Meaning
I'm feelin' so much better.
I have improved my life in some way
But not quite feelin' fine.
However, I am not perfect yet
Now, I've got to get my shit together,
I need to fix some things in my life
Still, little bit closer to the line.
But I am making progress
But I love those lazy days and crazy nights.
I enjoy taking it easy and having fun
It's my way, it's my life.
That's just who I am
I'm doin' fine right here on borrowed time.
I am living life to the fullest, despite knowing it won't last forever
Needless for you to worry,
You don't need to be concerned about me
No use in losin' sleep.
It's not worth losing sleep over it
Now, I really do appreciate it.
But I do appreciate your concern
For all your concern for me.
You care about me and I appreciate that
Ridin' through stormy weather.
I am going through tough times
So high I can't look down.
I am feeling invincible
Still I've got to get it together
But I know I need to take care of myself
Cause I'm lost in the lost in found.
Because I am confused and struggling to find my way
Give it to me. Lazy days and crazy nights.
I want to enjoy life to the fullest
Can't do without those lazy days and crazy nights.
I can't imagine living without fun and relaxation
Now, I'm doin' fine right here on borrowed t-t-t-time.
I am living life to the fullest, while knowing it won't last forever
Lyrics ยฉ Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: JEFF KEITH, TOM SKEOCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Matthew Plant
Such a great, completely unpretentious rock band.
Matthew Plant
@Rebel Rouser very true. Saw them in Australia about 15 years ago. At an intimate venue that held about 800 people. And they played their hearts out. It was a special gig for me.
Rebel Rouser
I couldn't agree more... They never achieved massive fame, but that was actually good for them. They were able to make their stamp, and make a good living doing it... And they're great dudes to boot.
Jim Smith
Can't stop the memories
Quentin Watson
First heard Mechanical Resonance at a party in '86, been a fan ever since. Every show I've seen has been awesome. Love this band! Always been the real deal.
San dra
When you know you can hit like without even viewing, always great when it's a Tesla tune๐๐๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ๐ถ
Thomas Taipliadis
My favourite rock album of the 80s. I had my first grand hangover with this one. Superb album.
D Wade
Most underrated band of the 80's. Top notch musicians.
Narrogate76
Pure, solid, classic rock n roll!
ANDRES MORALES
You bet man