In 1981 Ad van den Berg worked with vocalist Jos Veldhuizen, bassist Peter Van Eyk, and drummer Bico De Gooijer in a band called Teaser. He auditioned for Thin Lizzy, without success. With a new line-up (Bert Heerink (vocals), Ad Van Den Berg (guitar), Dick Kemper (bass), and Jos Zoomer on drums), Teaser recorded a demo that fell into the hands of pop-journalist Kees Baars. Baars offered to manage the group, and contracted the band at Atlantic Records in the U.S..
Their debut-album was recorded at former Led Zeppelin's guitarist Jimmy Page's studio, and in 1983 their first single, Burning Heart, reached #5 in the US charts. Vandenberg toured the US as opening act for Ozzy Osbourne and KISS, and toured independently in Japan in 1984. Different Worlds, from their second album also did fairly well in the charts, but did not equal the success of Burning Heart.
The band's third album was recorded in the Netherlands, produced by Jaap Eggermont, manager of the Golden Earring. The album flopped, and not long after the band parted ways with lead-singer Bert Heerink. Demos with new lead singer Peter Struyk were not well received by Atlantic.
Around that time, Ad van den Berg (who often uses an Anglicized version of his Dutch name: Adrian Vandenberg) played as a guest-soloist on the Whitesnake album, and in 1987 Whitesnake vocalist David Coverdale asked him to join the band permanently. With the band Vandenberg amounting to nothing, the guitarist accepted the invitation.
The other members also started or joined other projects: Jos Zoomer and Peter Struyk joined Avalon, and Dick Kemper started a new band, No Exqze.
In 2004 there was a reunion session of Vandenberg, and they released a double-CD, "The Definitive Vandenberg", a compilation of the band's best songs and featuring a newly-recorded version of "Burning Heart". In January, 2005 the band released a DVD with footage of a 1984 Tokyo concert.
Nothing To Lose
Vandenberg Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I live my life the way that I want to
I'll live today not tomorrow
Don't need no friends
I just live by the hours
Out in the streets
Lights shining bright
That's where I'll be tonight
Nothing to lose, nothing to lose
Nothing can get me down
Nothing to lose, nothing to lose
Nothing can get me down
Ain't got no home, I'm a mover
I'll pack my bags whenever I want to
Life is a game, I'm a gambler
I'll play to win 'cause I don't feel like losing
Get me down
Ain't got no need to raise a family
No steady job now, no chance
I'm(a) running free, yeah yeah
The song "Nothing to Lose" by Vandenberg is an anthem for freedom and living life on your own terms. The lyrics express a sense of liberation from societal expectations and constraints. The singer declares that he has "no time to worry" and lives his life "the way that [he wants] to." He lives for today and not tomorrow, and he doesn't need friends, just the hours. He exclaims that he has "nothing to lose" and "nothing can get me down," a bold statement that echoes his carefree and adventurous nature.
The chorus of the song is a powerful declaration of this message: "Nothing to lose, nothing to lose / Nothing can get me down." The singer is confident in his choices and his outlook on life. He is not weighed down by material possessions, societal norms, or expectations of family and stability. He declares himself a "mover," always ready to pack his bags and hit the road. Life is a game, and he's a gambler. He's willing to take risks and play to win because he doesn't feel like losing.
The verses express a desire for the bright lights of the city and the freedom to roam. The singer revels in the energy of the streets, where he'll be tonight. He has no need for a steady job or the responsibility of family life. He's truly free.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got no time to worry
I don't concern myself with negative thoughts or anxieties
I live my life the way that I want to
I prioritize personal freedom and independence in my actions and decisions
I'll live today not tomorrow
I focus on embracing the present moment and immediate experiences rather than future plans or worries
Don't need no friends
I don't rely on relationships with others to dictate my happiness or sense of self-worth
I just live by the hours
I take things one moment at a time and don't let time pressures dictate my choices
Out in the streets
I enjoy the excitement and unpredictability of the urban environment
Lights shining bright
The bright and colorful city lights resonate with me
That's where I'm gonna be tonight
I plan to spend the evening socializing or exploring the city
Nothing to lose, nothing to lose
I don't fear failure or negative consequences because I value the experience more than the outcome
Nothing can get me down
I feel invincible and optimistic about my life circumstances
Ain't got no home, I'm a mover
I don't feel tied down to any particular physical location and am always open to new places and experiences
I'll pack my bags whenever I want to
I'm spontaneous and adaptable and can make changes to my plans at any time
Life is a game, I'm a gambler
I see life as an exciting and unpredictable adventure and am always willing to take risks and try new things
I'll play to win 'cause I don't feel like losing
I am competitive and driven to succeed, but I'm not afraid of failure because it is not an obstacle to living a fulfilling life
Get me down
Nothing can bring me down or dampen my spirits
Ain't got no need to raise a family
I don't feel a strong urge to settle down and start a family, as I value my personal freedom and independence above all else
No steady job now, no chance
I don't feel the need to have a steady or secure job, as I am content to live without material possessions or long-term commitments
I'm running free, yeah yeah
I am free to pursue my dreams and desires without restriction or social pressure
Contributed by Adam N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.