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.
Make It Last
Tesla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My father told me, "Pick your dreams"
He said life ain't easy as it seems
When you get older you'll see what I mean, yes
Alright, yeah
Well, at the time I wanted to be twenty-one
It seemed the right age for havin' fun
And twenty-five seemed to be the one
But now I live my life from day to day
'Cause I wouldn't have it any other way
Whether I'm twelve or whether I'm sixty-four
I spend my time like there ain't gonna be no more, no
Yeah!
You know that sweet girl you've been chasin' round
She got you hooked 'long as she keeps you down
Well, I know what happens when she comes around
It won't be long and you'll be back on the town, yeah
Now I live my life from day to day
I wouldn't have it any other way
Whether I'm twelve or whether I'm sixty-four
I spend my time like there ain't gonna be no more, no
Alright, yeah
Lord! Yes, alright
Things between, they suit you right
But once you get them it seems like they're all alike
So make it last as long as you can
It's so much easier when you understand
And now I live my life from day to day
I wouldn't have it any other way
Whether I'm twelve or whether I'm sixty-four
I spend my time like there ain't gonna be no more, no
Yeah! Alright
I keep on rollin' alone
I make it last
Keep on rollin', right on down
Make it last as long as you can
Keep on rolling, come on
Keep on rolling as long as you can
Gotta make it last
The song "Make It Last" by Tesla is about the importance of enjoying life to the fullest and taking every opportunity to make lasting memories. The song opens with the singer reminiscing about his father's advice to chase his dreams, recalling that life is not as easy as it may seem. The singer then discusses the various ages he had looked forward to in the past: twenty-one for having fun, and twenty-five for coming of age. However, he has now come to realize that he wants to live his life day-to-day and make each moment count, regardless of his age. He urges his listeners to do the same, insisting that it is never too late to start having fun and making memories.
The chorus contains a warning about a woman who will keep a man down, but the singer encourages listeners to not let anything hold them back. He believes that it is essential to live life to the fullest, and that the key to doing this is to make every moment count. The outro repeats the chorus and encourages listeners to continue "rolling" through life and enjoying every moment.
Overall, "Make It Last" is a song about the importance of cherishing every moment and living life without regrets. It emphasizes the idea that life is short and that it is important to seize every opportunity to make lasting memories.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, I remember when I was seventeen
I recall a time in my youth when I was 17 years old
My father told me, 'Pick your dreams'
My father advised me to choose my aspirations wisely
He said life ain't easy as it seems
My father warned me that life is not always straightforward
When you get older you'll see what I mean, yes
My father assured me that I would eventually understand his message
Well, at the time I wanted to be twenty-one
In that moment, I desired to reach the age of 21
It seemed the right age for havin' fun
I thought twenty-one was the perfect age for enjoying life
But when I got there I was still too young
Upon reaching 21, I realized I still had much to learn and experience
And twenty-five seemed to be the one
I then set my sights on the age of 25 as the ideal time for fulfilling desires
But now I live my life from day to day
I now take each day as it comes
'Cause I wouldn't have it any other way
This approach to life is my preference
Whether I'm twelve or whether I'm sixty-four
Regardless of my age, I approach life in the same way
I spend my time like there ain't gonna be no more, no
I make the most of every moment, as if it were my last
You know that sweet girl you've been chasin' round
I am aware of the romantic interest you've been pursuing
She got you hooked 'long as she keeps you down
She has captured your attention as long as she keeps you under her influence
Well, I know what happens when she comes around
I am familiar with the outcome when she is in your presence
It won't be long and you'll be back on the town, yeah
It won't be long before you revert to your previous lifestyle
Lord! Yes, alright
An expression of affirmation
Things between, they suit you right
Your current circumstances seem to fit you well
But once you get them it seems like they're all alike
However, once you obtain them, they all seem similar
So make it last as long as you can
Therefore, it is important to extend the enjoyment of these favorable circumstances
It's so much easier when you understand
This is a simpler task when you comprehend the importance of it
And now I live my life from day to day
I continue to approach my life on a daily basis
I wouldn't have it any other way
I am content with this way of living
I keep on rollin' alone
I continue to move forward by myself
I make it last
I strive to extend my enjoyment of life
Keep on rollin', right on down
Continue to move forward without hesitation
Make it last as long as you can
Prolong the enjoyment of life and live in the present
Keep on rolling, come on
Continue pushing forward, let's go
Gotta make it last
It is essential to extend the enjoyment of life as much as possible
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: SAMMY HAGAR
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!!!!!