1) Tora Tora i… Read Full Bio ↴There are / were at least 2 bands going by this name.
1) Tora Tora is an American glam metal band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, in 1985.
2) Were an 80's Synthpop act from France.
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1) Blues-based, Led Zeppelin inspired metal that should have made Tora Tora a household name, but sadly didn't.
Tora Tora is an American glam metal band formed in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, in 1985. "Tora" means "tiger" in Japanese and the name is a play on the code name for attack used by the Japanese Imperial Navy during their attack on Pearl Harbor, "Tora, Tora, Tora". The actual origin of the band name was more likely a reference to the song of the same name recorded by Van Halen on their 1980 release Women and Children First. In a 1989 Headbanger's Ball interview with singer Anthony Corder and bassist Patrick Francis, they said that a friend of the band came up with a list of 60 to 70 different names for their band, and they picked the name Tora Tora because it stood out to them the most. They mentioned in the same interview that the original name of the band had been "Free Beer".
One of the best-unknown bands in the hard rock genre, but lack of label support killed any chance the band had for massive success. Formed in Memphis, Tennessee, by Anthony Corder (vocals), Keith Douglas (guitar), Patrick Francis (drums) and John Patterson (drums). They quickly beat out sixty other groups in a Battle of the Bands contest and received some free studio time. They cut one track in Memphis before using the prize money they had won to record an entire independent EP called To Rock, To Roll. The studio was so impressed with the recordings that they offered to help shop the demo and gave them even more free recording time. Tora Tora eventually singed with A&M and the debut album made the Billboard Top 100, and hovered on the brink of breaking wide open. Later that same year "Dancing With A Gypsy" would appear on the soundtrack for Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. The follow-up, while being another classic, sold even less copies then the debut. A third album, Revolution Day, was recorded in 1994, but it was never released due to label restructuring. After missing the due date, the band folded.
Recent years have seen Corder and Francis perform live as either Tora Tora or Homemade Flavor. Rumors circulate that the unreleased third album may finally see the light of day, and one can only hope. A band that should regroup and release another killer album on the unsuspecting public.
n 2008, all four original band members reunited to do several performances. One was a sold out performance at Newby's, a local club in Memphis, to celebrate their 20th anniversary of receiving their recording contract. After the show, a record was sold to fans which included songs from their first two albums and material slated for their unreleased Revolution Day album. The album was titled The Warehouse... 20 Years Later. The second occurred during Rocklahoma 2008. The band played another reunion show at The New Daisy Theatre on March 7, 2009, in Memphis.
At the end of 2009, Tora Tora signed with the Nashville, Tennessee based FNA Records and released three albums. Before & After, Bombs Away: The Unreleased Surprise Attack Recordings, and Miss B. Haven': The Unreleased Wild America Recordings.
On February 28, 2011, FNA Records in conjunction with the band decided after 17 years since the completion of their third album, which was shelved indefinitely at the time due to label complications, to release their "lost album" Revolution Day. Anthony Corder stated about the Revolution Day Sessions.
Lineup
Anthony Corder - vocals, acoustic guitar
Keith Douglas - guitar, backing vocals
Patrick Francis - bass, backing vocals
John Patterson - drums
Discography - Albums
Surprise Attack (1989) No. 47 US Billboard 200
Wild America (1992) No. 132 US Billboard 200
Revolution Day (1994)
Bastards of Beale (2019)
Discography - EPs
To Rock to Roll (1987)
Unplugged (2020)
Shattered
Tora Tora Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I was running free chasing shadows
On a summer day
I was flying high to places far away
Tell me why blue skies turned to grey
Sometimes things aren't always what they seem
Sometimes the truth remains unseen
Shattered, while I'm chasing down a dream
Shattered, a little time is all I need
Ride the wind all I ever wanted to do
Sail away in the seven seas so blue
A falling star can make your dream come true
Ding for a day in a castle made for two
Sometimes things aren't always what they seem
Sometimes the truth remains unseen
Shattered, while I'm chasing down a dream
Shattered, a little time is all I need
Shattered, while I'm chasing down a dream
Shattered, a little time is all I need
Burning sun blazing down on me
Crazy moon won't ever set me free
Painted sky such a sight to see
Give me time that's all I need
Sometimes things aren't always what they seem
Sometimes the truth remains unseen
Shattered, while I'm chasing down a dream
Shattered, a little time is all I need
Shattered, I been chasing down a dream
Shattered Shattered
The lyrics of Tora Tora's song Shattered talks about a person who was once living carefree and running towards their dreams but has now been shattered by the circumstances of life. The singer reminisces about the past when they were young and would run free, chasing shadows on summer days. They were once flying high and going to faraway places but the blue skies have now turned grey. The singer is now chasing down a dream that seems impossible to reach, but they still have hope that with just a little time, they will make it.
The song highlights the fact that things aren't always what they seem and the truth can remain unseen. The singer talks about riding the wind and sailing away in the seven seas so blue, wanting to live a life of adventure. They believe that a falling star can make their dream come true and they long for a day in a castle made for two.
The chorus of the song is repeated three times, emphasizing the shattered spirit of the singer who is chasing down a dream. However, they still believe that with time, they will find their way and reach their goal. The song ends by talking about the sun blazing down and the crazy moon that won't set them free. The singer longs for time to heal their shattered spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
Thinking back seems like yesterday
Reflecting on the past, it feels like only yesterday when I was carefree and not burdened by the challenges of chasing my dreams
I was running free chasing shadows
I had the freedom to pursue my aspirations without any constraints and was going after an uncertain outcome
On a summer day I was flying high to places far away
During a bright and hopeful season, I was soaring with ambition towards distant goals
Tell me why blue skies turned to grey
I'm seeking the cause of my current troubles and why my bright future has become overcast by challenges
Sometimes things aren't always what they seem
Appearances can be deceiving, and what looks promising may turn out to be a hindrance or obstacle
Sometimes the truth remains unseen
The reality of a situation can be elusive or obscured, making it difficult to uncover the root problem or solution
Shattered, while I'm chasing down a dream
My hopes and aspirations have been broken or fragmented by the struggles I encounter while pursuing them
Shattered, a little time is all I need
I am confident that with sufficient time and patience, I can pick up the pieces and realize my goals
Ride the wind all I ever wanted to do
I had always longed for the freedom to explore and take risks, despite the uncertainties or dangers involved
Sail away in the seven seas so blue
I imagined a voyage across the vast and wondrous oceans, with limitless horizons and adventures to discover
A falling star can make your dream come true
Even seemingly small or fleeting opportunities or events can lead to great successes or breakthroughs
Ding for a day in a castle made for two
I fantasized about a peaceful and magical retreat from the world, spending time with a loved one in a dreamlike setting
Burning sun blazing down on me
The unrelenting pressure and heat of life's challenges weigh heavily on me and make me feel overwhelmed
Crazy moon won't ever set me free
Even in moments of rest or escape, my problems and fears continue to haunt me and prevent me from finding peace
Painted sky such a sight to see
Amidst the struggles and darkness, there are still moments of beauty and wonder that bring me joy and wonder
Give me time that's all I need
I recognize that progress and healing take time and patience, and I am willing to wait and persevere
Shattered, I been chasing down a dream
Despite the setbacks and difficulties, I am still pursuing my aspirations with all my heart and determination
Shattered Shattered
The repetition of this final word emphasizes the depth of the emotional pain and struggle the singer is experiencing.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: NOAH ADRIAN GORDON, PHILLIP A. DOUGLAS, LILA MCCANN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind