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.
So Divine
Tesla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You are the star that never fades
Making the flowers bloom
Taken away too soon
Your spirit's living on today
There's no words to explain
We're left alone with the pain
Your memory's alive
Soaring where the angels fly
Shining through the darkest sky
Severing the ties that bind
So divine, you left this world behind
You turned the water into wine
Pulling the souls right from the vine
Time is written by your hands
Mortals can't understand
The secret lies between the lines
Wilted down, scared to bone
Now your name is etched in stone
Centuries we hear the cries
The legend never dies
Soaring where the angels fly
Shooting clouds from midnight sky
Severing the ties that bind
So divine, you left this world behind
Soaring where the angels fly
Shining through the darkest sky
Severing the ties that bind
So divine, you left this world behind
The lyrics of Tesla's "So Divine" are a tribute to a departed loved one who has left an everlasting impact. The song speaks of the departed as a shining star - the one who brings light into the darkness. The words describe the lost life as being much more than ordinary, one that is worthy of remembrance and is indelibly etched in the fabric of time.
The lyrics speak of the departed soul's ability to forge connections and break them as they desire, in ways that are beyond mortal comprehension. The reference to turning water into wine and pulling souls from the vine is reminiscent of the divine powers that the person possessed in life, and the fact that their memory continues to inspire and sustain those who are still on earth.
The central theme of the song is the transcendence of the departed soul, who has moved beyond the realm of the living, and the comfort that the surviving loved ones derive from the knowledge that the person's spirit lives on. The song takes solace in the fact that the memory of the departed will live on, and that they will continue to soar where the angels fly.
Line by Line Meaning
You are the sun that lights the day
You bring light and positivity to our lives, like the sun brightens up the day
You are the star that never fades
You are a shining and everlasting presence in our lives, like a star that never loses its light
Making the flowers bloom
You bring happiness and joy to people's lives, like flowers that blossom and bloom
Taken away too soon
Your presence in our lives was cut short and we were not ready to say goodbye
Your spirit's living on today
Even though you are no longer physically with us, your spirit and legacy continues to live on in our hearts and minds
There's no words to explain
The pain and sadness we feel is indescribable and cannot be expressed through words
We're left alone with the pain
We are left to cope with the pain and sadness of your absence on our own
No matter what, we will survive
We will endure and find a way to move forward despite the pain and challenges we may face
Your memory's alive
Your memory and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved and admired you
Soaring where the angels fly
You are now in a place of peace and tranquility, soaring with the angels
Shining through the darkest sky
Your light and spirit continue to shine through the darkest and most difficult times
Severing the ties that bind
You have broken free from the earthly bonds and limitations that once held you back
So divine, you left this world behind
You were a divine and remarkable presence in this world, and your legacy will continue to inspire and touch lives
You turned the water into wine
Your presence and impact on people's lives was transformative, like turning something simple into something miraculous
Pulling the souls right from the vine
You had a unique ability to touch people's souls and bring out the best in them, like pulling grapes from a vine
Time is written by your hands
You made the most of the time you had and left a lasting impact on the world
Mortals can't understand
Your impact and legacy is beyond our mortal understanding and comprehension
The secret lies between the lines
The true essence and meaning of your life and legacy can be found in the details and nuances that made you who you are
Wilted down, scared to bone
We are left feeling empty and vulnerable without your presence and guidance in our lives
Now your name is etched in stone
Your memory and legacy is now a permanent and enduring presence in our lives, like a name etched in stone
Centuries we hear the cries
Your impact and legacy continues to be felt and appreciated centuries after your passing
The legend never dies
Your life and legacy will continue to live on and inspire future generations, like a legendary figure that never fades away
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Darrell Lee Martin
Thank you and your words for saving my life.
I'm honored that after my son died i was able to shake your hand and simply share my gratitude.
Without HANG TOUGH.
I would never have been such.
Bless you Jeff, and your band mates.
I will always HANG TOUGH thanks to your song.
darrell
Asheville NC
tropicwave1
So Divine
Tesla
Album: Simplicity
[Verse 1]
You are the sun that lights the day
You are the star that never fades
Making the flowers bloom
Taken away too soon
Your spirit’s living on today
There’s no words to explain
We’re left alone with the pain
No matter what, we will survive
Your memory’s alive
[Chorus]
Soaring where the angels fly
Shining through the darkest sky
Severing the ties that bind
So divine, you left this world behind
[Verse 2]
You turned the water into wine
Pulling the souls right from the vine
Time is written by your hands
Mortals can’t understand
The secret lies between the lines
Wilted down, scared to bone
Now your name is etched in stone
Centuries we hear the cries
The legend never dies
[Chorus]
Soaring where the angels fly
Shooting across the midnight sky
Severing the ties that bind
So divine, you left this world behind
[Chorus]
Soaring where the angels fly
Shining through the darkest sky
Severing the ties that bind
So divine, you left this world behind
[Chorus]
Soaring where the angels fly
Shooting across the midnight sky
Severing the ties that bind
So divine, you left this world behind
Bye bye
Going To California Chris
I dedicated this song to my late bad ass biker mama ❤️ ( my beautiful wife ) who left this world in 2011 to be at the feet of The Lord 🙏 She was my life. Thanks Tesla....you guys are the best!
Marina Fantini
1
Joe Bemis
They sure still can kick ass. Tesla, one of the best American bands that ever existed..
Lilbatty 2
Big ole FACTS the best under rated band of all time 💯
Scott Baine TWISTED_KEEL_ADVENTURES
Amen to that the ROCK
Todd Janoska
So much love
psu0036
Great song, great band. Tesla has an awesome work ethic with recording new material and touring consistently. Big appreciation for what they do.
Stephen Giffith
OH yeah nicely SAID man GET WELL FRANK AND ROAD CREW N BROTHERS N SISTERS OF THIS FABULOUS BAND FROM MY HOMETOWN WE LOVE YOU ALL AND NEED YOU ALL SO GET WELL YOU ALL WHO DONT FEEL WELL GOD BLESS YOU ALL FROM STEVIE N CHICAGO
Darrell Lee Martin
Thank you and your words for saving my life.
I'm honored that after my son died i was able to shake your hand and simply share my gratitude.
Without HANG TOUGH.
I would never have been such.
Bless you Jeff, and your band mates.
I will always HANG TOUGH thanks to your song.
darrell
Asheville NC
Tom Kennedy
God bless