This lineup released "Spellbound" in 1981. With Deverill's arguably superior vocals and that much more experience, the album increased their following. However, Sykes quit after the third album "Crazy Nights" to audition for Ozzy Osbourne. Sykes was rapidly replaced by ex-Penetration guitarist Fred Purser who had to learn the set in two days flat before touring.
Tygers Of Pan Tang's fourth album "The Cage" (1982) was their most accomplished effort and things looked promising. Unfortunately, the band then had a major disagreement with MCA, who were not prepared to promote them unless they agreed to play more cover recordings (following the bands hit with Love Potion No. 9). They subsequently tried to break free from their contract, but MCA's demands exceeded the willingness of any other record company to pay to free the band and the band broke up in frustration.
John Sykes however achieved major success with Thin Lizzy and then Whitesnake, and as a guitar virtuoso in Japan. Guitarist Robb Weir currently leads an incarnation of the band who continue to make albums and perform.
The name of the band derives from an elite group of warriors in Michael Moorcock's Elric stories called the Tigers of Pan Tang.
FF to 2022
UK rockers Tygers of Pan Tang, now consisting of guitarists Robb Weir and Francesco Marras, lead vocalist Jack Meille, bassists Gav Grey (on the EP) and Huw Holding, and drummer Craig Ellis will be releasing a new EP titled 'A New Heartbeat' via Mighty Music on February 25, 2022.
Dust
Tygers of Pan Tang Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In this darkest hour i never thought you'd leave
I reach out and question my existence
On this blackest night i never thought you'd leave
Caught on my blind side, what they did was unexpected
Taking everything then leave me for a fool
I cry out and swear that I will find them
I'm satisfied I finally found the truth
In a web of lies its hard to find the proof
Revenge is sweet when you've lost all hope of trust
Gonna burn you down...
I see red lines giving me the answers
Now my enemy where once you were my friend
You lie there and question your existence
As I watch your last breath until the end
I'm satisfied I finally found the truth
In a web of lies its hard to find the proof
Revenge is sweet when you've lost all hope of trust
Gonna burn you down
Gonna burn you down and leave you behind . just like dust
Gonna run you down and leave you behind . just like dust
Solo
Gonna burn you down and leave you behind . just like dust
Gonna run you down and leave you behind . just like dust
The lyrics to Tygers of Pan Tang's song "Dust" seem to be about the singer's feelings of betrayal and subsequent desire for revenge. The song opens with the singer describing the moment when they realize their loved one is leaving them. They express their shock and disbelief at this event happening in their "darkest hour", and question their own existence as a result.
The second verse is where the theme of betrayal is fully introduced. The singer reveals that they were caught off guard by their enemy's actions, as they took everything and left the singer feeling like a "fool". The singer vows to find their betrayers and make them regret crossing them.
Later in the song, the singer seems to have found evidence of their enemies' guilt, reveling in the satisfaction of finding the truth in a "web of lies". The chorus repeats the vengeful imagery of burning down their enemies, leaving them "behind just like dust".
The solo in the middle of the song acts as a musical representation of the intensity of these emotions, serving to build up to the chorus once again. The lyrics of "Dust" are a powerful expression of the pain and anger caused by betrayal, and the desire for vengeance and closure.
Line by Line Meaning
I see tail lights fading in the distance
I witness the last sign of you leaving, disappearing into the unknown
In this darkest hour i never thought you'd leave
At this moment of extreme despair and darkness, the last thing expected was your departure
I reach out and question my existence
I extend my hand, grasping for something tangible while contemplating the worth of my own being
On this blackest night i never thought you'd leave
During this pitch-black night, the notion of you leaving never crossed my mind
Caught on my blind side, what they did was unexpected
Ambushed and caught off guard, the actions taken were completely unforeseen
Taking everything then leave me for a fool
Stealing all possessions and leaving one feeling foolish and deceived
I cry out and swear that I will find them
Vocally expressing the determination to locate and confront those responsible
When I do they'll wish they never broke the rules
The perpetrators will regret their actions when they face the consequences of their disobedience
I'm satisfied I finally found the truth
Having unveiled the veracity of the situation, a sense of contentment is achieved
In a web of lies its hard to find the proof
Within a tangled web of falsehoods, obtaining solid evidence is a challenge
Revenge is sweet when you've lost all hope of trust
Retaliation provides a sense of satisfaction and justice when reliance on others has been shattered
Gonna burn you down...
Intending to cause severe damage to the wrongdoer
I see red lines giving me the answers
Visualizing clear signals and indications that lead to a conclusive response
Now my enemy where once you were my friend
You, who were once an ally, have now become an adversary
You lie there and question your existence
In the throes of defeat, one reflects on their own existence and actions
As I watch your last breath until the end
Observing the final moments and breaths of the vanquished until they pass away
Gonna burn you down and leave you behind . just like dust
Intending to cause severe damage and abandonment in a manner similar to dust particles dispersed by the wind
Gonna run you down and leave you behind . just like dust
Pursuing and abandoning the enemy in a comparable manner to easily dispersed dust
Writer(s): mccrystal, weir, gray, ellis
Contributed by Aria R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.