Winter's group is also known for its innovation, with the frontman inventing the keyboard body strap early in his career. Said innovation allows him the freedom to move around on stage during his multi-instrument high-energy performances. He was also one of the first artists to feature a synthesizer as the main instrument in a song. "Frankenstein" in particular revolutionized modern rock and roll and opened up a whole new world of possibilities with experimentation and sound.
After 'They Only Come Out at Night', the band released 'Shock Treatment', featuring guitarist Rick Derringer in place of Ronnie Montrose. That musican went on to work in Montrose and other groups. Although not quite able to capture the same free spirit as the group's earlier album, 'Shock Treatment' earned major critical praise, and the band continued its lively tour schedule.
Later releases from Edgar Winter and his associates include the albums 'Jasmine Nightdreams', 'The Edgar Winter Group with Rick Derringer' (a live album), 'Together Live With Johnny Winter', 'Recycled' (a reunion with White Trash), 'Standing On Rock', 'Mission Earth', 'Live In Japan', 'Not A Kid Anymore', 'The Real Deal', and 'Winter Blues'.
Mainstream success has eluded Winter's various band line-ups since their 70s heyday, but their work has remained radio staples. Winter continues to tour as of 2013. More information is available on his official website here.
Alta Mira
The Edgar Winter Group Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yesterday I said goodbye to all my misery
I floated down the river just to see what I could see
Yesterday I said goodbye to all my misery
I came upon the ocean and its beauty took me in
I floated down the river just to see what I could see
A bird's course may take my mind is where I must begin
A bird's course may take my mind is where I must begin
Alta Mira, oh set my spirit free
Alta Mira, like the wind that moves the sea
Alta Mira, oh set my spirit free
Alta Mira, let it set your spirit free
Alta Mira, like the wind that moves the sea
Alta Mira, we can live in harmony
Alta Mira, let it set your spirit free
Alta Mira, we can live in harmony
The sun was like a burnin' flame
That sinks beneath the sea
The sun was like a burnin' flame
Beckoning with all its color
That sinks beneath the sea
Come and follow me
Beckoning with all its color
Its flame was my reflection
Come and follow me
Though I knew it wasn't real
Its flame was my reflection
I had to find out what it was
Though I knew it wasn't real
And how it made you feel
I had to find out what it was
And how it made you feel
Alta Mira, set my spirit free
Alta Mira, like the wind that moves the sea
Alta Mira, set my spirit free
Alta Mira, let it set your spirit free
Alta Mira, like the wind that moves the sea
Alta Mira, we can live in harmony
Alta Mira, let it set your spirit free
Alta Mira, we can live in harmony
Hey, Alta Mira…
Set my spirit free…
Hey, Alta Mira…
Set my spirit free…
The lyrics to The Edgar Winter Group's song Alta Mira are about the pursuit of freedom and the journey to find it. The song begins with the singer saying goodbye to their misery and setting off down a river to explore. They come upon the ocean and are captivated by its beauty, deciding to follow a bird's course wherever it may take them. The singer declares that Alta Mira, a place of which we have no contextual knowledge, will set their spirit free and allow them to live in harmony. The sun is described as a burning flame, sinking beneath the sea and beckoning the singer to follow. The flame is a reflection of the singer, but they know it isn't real and want to find out what it really is.
The song speaks to the idea of letting go of one's past and embracing the journey towards personal freedom with open arms. The journey may not always be easy or clear, but the beauty of the unknown and the possibility of finding oneself is worth the risk. Alta Mira seems to represent that place or state of mind where one's spirit can truly be free.
Line by Line Meaning
Alta Mira
The name of a place that can set the singer's spirit free
Yesterday I said goodbye to all my misery
The singer left their problems behind and moved on
I floated down the river just to see what I could see
The singer took a journey of self-discovery
I came upon the ocean and its beauty took me in
The artist was captivated by the beauty of the ocean
A bird's course may take my mind is where I must begin
The artist must follow their thoughts and emotions
Alta Mira, oh set my spirit free
The singer wants to be set free by the place called Alta Mira
Alta Mira, like the wind that moves the sea
Alta Mira can have a powerful and positive impact, like the wind on the sea
Alta Mira, let it set your spirit free
Others should also let Alta Mira set their spirits free
Alta Mira, we can live in harmony
Alta Mira can bring people together and create a harmonious existence
The sun was like a burnin' flame
The sun was intense and overwhelming
That sinks beneath the sea
The sunset was beautiful but fleeting
Beckoning with all its color
The sunset was calling out to the artist with its vibrant colors
Come and follow me
The singer felt compelled to follow the beauty of nature
Its flame was my reflection
The singer identified with the intensity of the sunset
Though I knew it wasn't real
The singer recognized that the sunset was temporary
I had to find out what it was
The artist wanted to understand and experience the beauty of nature
And how it made you feel
The artist wanted to understand the emotional impact of nature's beauty
Hey, Alta Mira… Set my spirit free…
The singer emphasizes their desire for Alta Mira to set their spirit free
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAN HARTMAN, EDGAR WINTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind