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.
Walk Away
Tesla Lyrics
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Tryin' to decide what to do
Looks like my stop, don't wanna get off
Got myself hung up on you
Seems to me
You don't want to talk about it
Seems to me
Places I've known, think that I'm growin'
Don't taste the same without you
I got myself in the worst mess I've been
And I find myself startin' to doubt you
Seems to me
We talk all night, here comes the morning
Seems to me
You just ignore what was said and greet the day
Seems to me
You don't wanna talk about it
Seems to me
You just turn your pretty head and walk away
I've got to cool myself down, stompin' around
Thinking some words I can't name ya
Meet you halfway, I got nothin' to say
Still I don't 'spose I can blame ya
Seems to me
You don't wanna talk about it
Seems to me
You just turn your pretty head and walk away
Walk away
The song "Walk Away" by Tesla talks about a situation where the singer is indecisive about what route to take in their relationship as they like this person but do not want to get off their current stance. The singer experiences a growing attachment to this person and seems to be confused about the mixed signals they are getting from this person. The lyrics, "Seems to me, you don't want to talk about it. Seems to me, you just turn your pretty head and walk away" suggest that the person they are interested in does not seem to be willing to communicate with them about their feelings. Despite having spent countless hours talking to this person, the singer seems to receive no response or recognition from them, which makes them feel ignored and doubtful about the relationship.
The chorus of the song is repeated several times to emphasize the frustration of being ignored by someone they care about, and they seem to be unsure of what to do next. The singer tries to stay calm and composed but is visibly displaying frustrating aggression, which makes them feel that they are stuck in a vicious cycle of wanting answers and getting no response. The song ends with the singer finally giving up on the relationship, saying that they will meet the person halfway but have nothing to say, ultimately wanting to "walk away."
Line by Line Meaning
Takin' my time, usin' my line
I'm taking my time to think things through and gather my thoughts.
Tryin' to decide what to do
I'm trying to figure out what the best course of action is.
Looks like my stop, don't wanna get off
It seems like it's time to make a decision, but I'm hesitant.
Got myself hung up on you
I'm fixated on you and can't seem to let go.
Seems to me
From my perspective,
You don't want to talk about it
it seems like you avoid discussing our issues.
You just turn your pretty head and walk away
You ignore me and avoid confrontation.
Places I've known, think that I'm growin'
I'm exploring new places and experiences, but they don't feel the same without you.
Don't taste the same without you
The joy of these new experiences is dampened by your absence.
I got myself in the worst mess I've been
I've gotten myself into a difficult situation.
And I find myself startin' to doubt you
And now I'm starting to question my trust in you.
We talk all night, here comes the morning
We spend hours discussing our issues and talking things through.
You just ignore what was said and greet the day
But you disregard everything we talked about as a new day begins.
I've got to cool myself down, stompin' around
I need to calm myself down before I say or do something I regret.
Thinking some words I can't name ya
I'm thinking about expressing my frustrations, but I don't know how to put them into words.
Meet you halfway, I got nothin' to say
I'm willing to work towards a resolution, but I don't have any solutions or ideas.
Still I don't 'spose I can blame ya
But I understand that it's not entirely your fault.
Walk away
So I guess it's best if we just walk away from this situation.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KRISTINA EMELIE KARIN KARLSDOTTER, JOSPEH SKANSAS, FREDERIK JOHANSSON, PETER MARDKLINT, JESPER CLAES HAAKAN STROEMBLAD, BJOERN INGVAR GELOTTE, EMMA GELOTTE
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!!!!!