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.
What A Shame
Tesla Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And now this house don't feel like home, I can't believe how much we've grown
So far apart, so far away, you just can't hide something as plain as day
I think it's safe to say, that's it's just no good
And I don't need you in my life, the way you cut me like a knife
You burned me once, but now that it's done, you'll never burn me twice
Now that it's all but over, you haven't changed, and what a shame
I know you think you're always right, and just because, you've got God in your life
But he don't appreciate the way you lied, he can't believe how hard you tried
To take me down, to take it all, hanging around, and making sure I fall
Then say it was me to blame, and I was, for trusting someone like you anyways
And I don't need you in my life, the way you cut me like a knife
You burned me once, but now that it's done, you'll never burn me twice
Now that it's all been said and done, do you like what you've become
Now that it's all but over, you haven't changed, and what a shame
Now that it's all been said and done, do you like what you've become
Now that it's all but over, you haven't changed, and what a shame
And I don't need you in my life, the way you cut me like a knife
You burned me once, but now that it's done, you'll never burn me twice
Now that it's all been said and done, do you like what you've become
Now that it's all but over, you haven't changed, and what a shame
Now that it's all been said and done, do you like what you've become
Now that it's all but over, you haven't changed, and what a shame
The lyrics of Tesla's song "What A Shame" are about the pain of a failed relationship and the realization that the person you loved has betrayed you. The singer expresses his feelings of loneliness and how the house they once shared no longer feels like home. Despite being physically together, he feels so far apart from his partner. He accuses his partner of being dishonest and untrustworthy, someone who tried to take him down and blame him for everything. He questions whether his partner has changed since their breakup and leaves it up to them to answer.
The chorus of the song reiterates the singer's newfound freedom from a toxic partner, someone who burned him once but will never do so again. He does not need them in his life despite how they made him feel hurt, lonely, and betrayed. The singer recognizes the shame and sadness of their failed relationship and how the other person has not changed.
In summary, "What A Shame" is a raw and emotional song about a failed relationship. It highlights the pain, loneliness, and betrayal one feels when their partner acts dishonestly and unkindly. The song ultimately celebrates the singer's liberation from this toxic relationship and moving on.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you think it wouldn't show, you're here with me, but I'm so alone
You thought no one would notice you're with me, but I feel so isolated and alone.
And now this house don't feel like home, I can't believe how much we've grown
Our home doesn't feel like a safe haven anymore, and I can't believe how much we've changed as individuals.
So far apart, so far away, you just can't hide something as plain as day
We are emotionally distant from each other, and this is evident to everyone, including ourselves.
I think it's safe to say, that's it's just no good
It's safe to assume that our relationship is not working.
And I don't need you in my life, the way you cut me like a knife
I don't need you in my life because you hurt me so much.
You burned me once, but now that it's done, you'll never burn me twice
You hurt me once, but I won't let you hurt me again.
Now that it's all been said and done, do you like what you've become
Now that everything is over, do you like the person you have become?
Now that it's all but over, you haven't changed, and what a shame
Our relationship has ended, yet you haven't changed - it's a pity.
I know you think you're always right, and just because, you've got God in your life
You believe you're always right because you have God in your life.
But he don't appreciate the way you lied, he can't believe how hard you tried
God doesn't approve of the lies you told, and he can't believe how much effort you put into deceiving me.
To take me down, to take it all, hanging around, and making sure I fall
You were trying to destroy me and our relationship, and you stuck around to make sure I failed.
Then say it was me to blame, and I was, for trusting someone like you anyways
You tried to shift the blame onto me, but in reality, it was my fault for trusting someone like you.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN WHEAT, FRANK HANNON, JEFFREY KEITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kévin Ghaoui
Did you think it wouldn't show, you're here with me, but I'm so alone
And now this house don't feel like home, I can't believe how much we've grown
So far apart, so far away, you just can't hide something as plain as day
I think it's safe to say, that's it's just no good
And I don't need you in my life, the way you cut me like a knife
You burned me once, but now that it's done, you'll never burn me twice
Now that it's all been said and done, do you like what you've become
Now that it's all but over, you haven't changed, and what a shame
I know you think you're always right, and just because, you've got God in your life
But he don't appreciate the way you lied, he can't believe how hard you tried
To take me down, to take it all, hanging around, and making sure I fall
Then say it was me to blame, and I was, for trusting someone like you anyways
And I don't need you in my life, the way you cut me like a knife
You burned me once, but now that it's done, you'll never burn me twice
Now that it's all been said and done, do you like what you've become
Now that it's all but over, you haven't changed, and what a shame
Now that it's all been said and done, do you like what you've become
Now that it's all but over, you haven't changed, and what a shame
And I don't need you in my life, the way you cut me like a knife
You burned me once, but now that it's done, you'll never burn me twice
Now that it's all been said and done, do you like what you've become
Now that it's all but over, you haven't changed, and what a shame
Now that it's all been said and done, do you like what you've become
Now that it's all but over, you haven't changed, and what a shame
diana huffman
I absolutely love this song, this cd and this band.
Dayton Riddle
Tesla is one of the greatest bands out there and the hardest band for any other band to follow on a stage
Step Jeff
This album was incredible...
Kurt Wagner
I remember hearing this on the radio long ago. It's so underrated.
James Price
It makes me remember the good ol days of playing with Legos in the living room with my older brother while my dad jammed on his bass along with this band and alot like it I haven't heard it in forever last time I heard it I was about 6 or 7 now I'm 19 and wish songs like this got more air time do to the sentimental value of them alone
jamidh
+Kurt Wagner i agree, sooooooooooo underrated. sad.
James Price
I've been searching for this song no joke for almost 11 years I grew up to my dad jamming out on his bass to this hearing it again brings back alot of good memories
Damion Sins
Said it before.one of the most talented bands then and now.never recieved the credit they are owed.the clearest sounding bands youll ever see live and no lip syncing here!!!!!!
joey c
Always have n always will love Tesla!!!!!
THE MISSION
Pure, True and Blue Collar!! Never did they get the Notoriety that they deserve. Also, they aren't afraid to spread their wings and try different lines of Rock. Tesla truly is a unique band!! Love em every time!