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.
We Can Work It Out
Tesla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on
While you see it your way
Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone
We can work it out
We can work it out
Think of what you're saying
Think of what I'm saying
We can work it out and get it straight, or say good night
We can work it out
We can work it out
Life is very short, and there's no time
For fussing and fighting, my friend
I have always thought that it's a crime
So I will ask you once again.
Try to see it my way
Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong
While you see it your way
There's a chance that we may fall apart before too long
We can work it out
We can work it out
Life is very short, and there's no time
For fussing and fighting, my friend
I have always thought that it's a crime
So I will ask you once again
Try to see it my way
Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong
While you see it your way
There's a chance that we may fall apart before too long
We can work it out
We can work it out
In "We Can Work It Out," Tesla sings about the importance of communication and compromise in a relationship. The lyrics encourage the listener to see things from the other person's perspective and find a way to work through their issues together. The chorus repeats the phrase "We can work it out" as a reminder that the couple can overcome their difficulties if they both make an effort.
The verse "Think of what you're saying, you can get it wrong and still you think that it's alright" highlights the idea that miscommunication can lead to misunderstandings and hurt feelings, even if no harm was intended. The line "Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend" emphasizes the urgency of resolving their issues and not wasting time on unnecessary conflicts.
Throughout the song, Tesla emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding and compromise. The repeated refrain of "We can work it out" serves both as a plea and a reminder that relationships require effort from both parties to stay strong.
Line by Line Meaning
Try to see it my way
Please try to understand my perspective
Do I have to keep on talking till I can't go on
Do I need to keep explaining until I am exhausted?
While you see it your way
While you have your own point of view
Run the risk of knowing that our love may soon be gone
We have to take the risk of realizing that our relationship may not last long
We can work it out
We have the capability to resolve our issues
Think of what you're saying
You should consider the words you are saying
You can get it wrong and still you think that it's alright
You may misunderstand, but still believe that everything is okay
Think of what I'm saying
Please consider my thoughts and opinions
We can work it out and get it straight, or say good night
We can solve our problems and improve our relationship, or decide to end things
Life is very short, and there's no time
Our time on Earth is limited and valuable
For fussing and fighting, my friend
We should not waste our time and energy arguing
I have always thought that it's a crime
I have always believed it is wrong
So I will ask you once again.
Therefore, I will ask you again
There's a chance that we may fall apart before too long
It is possible that we may break up soon
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Thomas Burton
Such an underrated band
Matthew Plant
These guys did unplugged BEFORE it was the cool thing. Awesome.
Denise Brashears
You are right! Double awesomeness!
Thomas Burton
I believe they started the whole acoustic/ unplugged era
Matthew Rogers
One matt to another right on innovators
Matthew Plant
@Matthew Rogers one of my favourite all-time bands. Haven't absolutely loved their last two albums. A bit too mellow for me, but a very deep catalogue.
Matthew Rogers
@Matthew Plant agree still.....body of work best hairband era band
Bill Downey
Just seen these guys a couple weeks ago in Grand Rapids, holy shit are they good. It was a really a great show! Can't wait till they come around again!
Matthew Rogers
Epic nice.....always said FIRST show would be tesla PANTERA kiss oh well thx u tub
Roger Jones
Great band, excellent cover