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.
The Gate / Invited
Tesla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't even know, where I've been or where I'm coming from, at all
Who was the one who said nothing's impossible, who was wrong
Who was the one to even say at all, anything is possible
You ask me where I'm going, I don't even know myself
I couldn't say 'cause it's undecided on which way I should go
I've been invited but I just can't make it
Got too excited and I just can't take it
My fuel ignited, got too exited
I've been invited but I just can't take it no more
[Solo]
How am I to show, what I'm feeling deep down in my heart, in my soul
No other way but by a miracle - anything's not possible
I don't know where I'm goin', you don't even know yourself
You couldn't say 'cause it's undecided on which way you should go
Do you know?
I've been invited but I just can't make it
Got too excited and I just can't take it
My fuel ignited, got too exited, I took the message celebrating again
I guess it must have been at least an hour or more
I must've had myself some powerful thoughts
I've been invited but I just can't make it
Got too excited and I just can't take anymore
[Solo]
I've been invited but I just can't make it
Got too excited and I just can't take it
My fuel ignited, got too exited
I've been invited but I just can't make it - at all
The lyrics of Tesla's song "The Gate" tells a story of confusion and uncertainty, reflecting the human condition of not knowing where one is going. The song starts with the singer asserting that nobody knows where he has been or where he is coming from at all. The song then veers to asking questions about the possibility of anything being impossible, suggesting that the world is confusing and shrouded in mystery. The singer is then asked where he is going, but he cannot answer because he does not know himself. This confusion is emphasized by the line, "I've been invited, but I just can't make it."
The invitation mentioned has two meanings - one being a physical invitation to a specific place, and the other an invitation to life's journey. The singer got too excited, and his fuel was ignited, but it was too much excitement to take in. He is lost and uncertain about where to go. The song expresses the heavy feelings that come along with uncertainty and confusion, particularly when feeling trapped or suffocated.
Overall, "The Gate" by Tesla is a song about searching for direction in a world that can often feel confusing and overwhelming. The lyrics capture the feeling of not knowing where one is going or where one belongs, a sentiment that many people can relate to. The song emphasizes the importance of taking a step back, breathing, and listening to oneself to find the way forward.
Line by Line Meaning
You don't even know, where I've been or where I'm coming from, at all
You are clueless about my experiences and background.
Who was the one who said nothing's impossible, who was wrong
The person who claimed that things are impossible was mistaken.
Who was the one to even say at all, anything is possible
Someone somewhere uttered the phrase that anything is achievable.
You ask me where I'm going, I don't even know myself
I am not certain of my ultimate destination.
I couldn't say 'cause it's undecided on which way I should go
I cannot provide a definite answer because I have not yet picked a path to follow.
I've been invited but I just can't make it
I was invited, but I cannot attend.
Got too excited and I just can't take it
I was very enthusiastic, but my emotions are now overwhelming me.
My fuel ignited, got too excited
My passion was fuelled, and I became too euphoric.
I don't know!
I have no idea!
How am I to show, what I'm feeling deep down in my heart, in my soul
How can I express the emotions that are embedded in my heart and soul?
No other way but by a miracle - anything's not possible
The only solution is a miracle, and even some things are not achievable through miracles.
You couldn't say 'cause it's undecided on which way you should go
You cannot articulate your destination because you have not yet picked a path to follow.
Do you know?
Do you have that knowledge?
I took the message celebrating again
I received the note and began to celebrate once more.
I guess it must have been at least an hour or more
I think it took at least an hour or longer.
I've been invited but I just can't take anymore
I have been invited, but I cannot handle it any longer.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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!!!!!