Formed in 1984, the group endured several line-up changes and soul-searching before coalescing around vocalist Jani Lane, guitarist Erik Turner, guitarist Joey Allen, bassist Jerry Dixon, and drummer Steven Sweet. In January 1988, Warrant signed a contract with Columbia Records. They then released their debut album, which they titled 'Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich'. Although coming in at the tail end of the 80s pop metal boom, their tuneful rock brought them some critical and commercial acclaim, the album reaching the #10 slot on the Billboard 200 top albums chart.
The band's second record, 'Cherry Pie', was released in March 1990, and spawned the hits "Cherry Pie", "Uncle Tom's Cabin", and "I Saw Red". It reached the Top Ten in the United States, and went on to sell over three million copies. The group found the title song, written by the band under studio pressure with the lyrics literally composed on a pizza box, a 'throw-away' type tune, giving them a commercial breakthrough. Yet their other tracks showed a desire to branch out into diverse subject matter and styles. For example, their southern rock inspired track "Uncle Tom's Cabin" alludes to the famous 1852 novel on racial divisions and features lyrics discussing shocking, covered-up murders while power ballad "Bed of Roses" discusses a romance beset by poverty and struggles reminiscent of Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer".
Through riding high after their multi-platinum success and passionate touring, the band found itself in the middle of the rise of alternative music in the early 90s. In 1992, Warrant released 'Dog Eat Dog'. The record, an attempt by the band to evolve in the face of changing musical trends, received some critical acclaim but achieved only moderate commercial success. Single "Machine Gun", the title alone showing the change in direction, still managed to reach the top 40 rock charts.
After this, the band would begin a long string of member changes, including even singer Jani Lane leaving the band briefly. Lane achieved some small success producing work without the group, doing some covers of other hard rock and metal bands. He would then return before the band released 'Ultraphobic' in 1995 and 'Belly to Belly, Vol. 1' in 1998. These were released on a smaller label and featured a new darker sound. Neither album would remotely come close to the success of the earlier albums. A live album and an album of re-recorded classic tracks as well as an all-covers disc, titled 'Under the Influence', followed these.
Jani Lane would once again leave the band in 2004. Ironically, all the other original members would return to the band the same year. Vocalist Jaime St. James, known for serving as the frontman of Black 'n Blue, would take over as singer. In 2006, Warrant released 'Born Again', which was their first album to not have Lane on vocals.
On March 4, 2008, Warrant announced that Lane had returned to the band. Lane toured with the band through 2008, but he left the band once again soon after. On August 11, 2011, Lane was found dead in a hotel room in Woodland Hills, California. He was 47, and condolences poured in from hard rock fans.
There is another band with the same name:
2) Warrant is, secondly, the name of an 80s-era Speed Metal band from Germany. This Warrant was formed in 1983 in Düsseldorf and has featured an aggressive heavy metal sound akin to contemporaries Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. The band's original line-up was Jörg Juraschek (vocals and bass), Thomas Klein (guitar) and Lothar Wieners (drums). Oliver May (guitar) followed shortly afterwards.
In early 1985, Warrant released the EP 'First Strike', and they soon also released 'The Enforcer'. They went on tour with Warlock later that year. The band sadly split up not too long later, with Juraschek and May going on to form Punchline while Wieners formed Monroxe.
In 1999, the band (with Jörg and Oliver) briefly reunited and recorded two new songs. Both of Warrant's albums were reissued on a single disc in 2000, with those new tracks included. In 2010, 'First Strike' and 'The Enforcer' were re-released, this meaning new artwork as well as the inclusion of some some live recordings.
The band also notably performed several live shows with Necronomicon and starred in some music festivals. In August 2010, they signed a deal with PSR. Fans rejoiced as the group had new life breathed into it.
Bed of Roses
Warrant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In a dead-end town
There's a motel that I call home
Just a few small hopes
And a few small dreams
Are all that place is resting on
Desiree loves two doors down
She's been there for way too long
I hope she hears this song
On a bed of roses
Not beneath some motel light
On a bed of roses
She deserves to sleep tonight
She deserves to sleep tonight
She comes home late every night
I can hear her walkin' down the hall
She don't talk on the phone too much
When she does I hear it through my wall
Desiree don't have many friends
At least not many good ones
I may be just an ordinary man
But least I'm someone to lean on
On a bed of roses
Not beneath some motel light
On a bed of roses
She deserves to sleep tonight
She deserves to sleep tonight
Tonight, tonight, tonight,
On a bed Light
On a bed Tonight
On a bed Roses
She deserves to sleep tonight
The lyrics to Warrant's song Bed Of Roses tells a story of a man who lives in a small motel on a dead-end street in a dead-end town. He doesn't have much in terms of possessions or aspirations, but he has a few hopes and dreams that he keeps close to him. He notices his neighbor Desiree, who lives two doors down, and has been there for quite some time. He senses a sadness and loneliness in her and hopes that she hears his song when she's feeling down. He wishes for her to have a comfortable place to sleep, preferably on a bed of roses.
The song suggests that Desiree works late and doesn't talk on the phone too much, but the singer can hear her when she walks down the hall. He believes that she doesn't have many good friends, but recognizes that he's someone she can rely on. Through his song, he conveys his desire for her to experience some comfort and rest, something she rightfully deserves.
Overall, Bed Of Roses is a touching song with a poignant message of empathy and community. It reminds us of the importance of recognizing and supporting those around us who may be struggling or feeling alone.
Line by Line Meaning
On a dead-end street
The setting of the song is a street with no outlet where nothing happens.
In a dead-end town
The town where the street is located is also insignificant and uneventful.
There's a motel that I call home
The singer lives in a motel on this street, implying that he has nowhere else to go.
Just a few small hopes
The artist has modest ambitions and expectations.
And a few small dreams
Despite the limited opportunities, the artist still has some aspirations.
Are all that place is resting on
The motel (and perhaps the street and town as well) only has these meager hopes and dreams to sustain it.
Desiree loves two doors down
There is a woman named Desiree who lives in the room next door.
She's been there for way too long
Desiree has been living in the motel for a prolonged period of time.
Sometime when she's feelin' down
In moments of sadness or distress, the singer hopes that Desiree can find comfort.
I hope she hears this song
The song serves as a message of sympathy and support to Desiree.
On a bed of roses
The singer envisions a future where Desiree can finally live in comfort and luxury, represented by a comfortable bed adorned with roses.
Not beneath some motel light
This bed of roses is a stark contrast to the harsh lighting and bleak surroundings of the motel room.
She deserves to sleep tonight
Desiree is deserving of a peaceful and restful night's sleep after enduring hardship and struggles.
She comes home late every night
Desiree is likely working long hours and returning exhausted.
I can hear her walkin' down the hall
The singer is close enough to Desiree's room to hear her movements.
She don't talk on the phone too much
Desiree does not have many meaningful connections or relationships.
When she does I hear it through my wall
The lack of privacy and insulation in the motel makes it easy for the artist to overhear Desiree's conversations.
Desiree don't have many friends
Desiree is socially isolated and lacks companionship.
At least not many good ones
Although Desiree may have acquaintances, they are not reliable or supportive friends.
I may be just an ordinary man
The artist recognizes that he is not in a position of power or privilege.
But least I'm someone to lean on
Despite his own challenges, the artist can provide emotional support and stability for Desiree.
Tonight, tonight, tonight
Repetition of this word suggests an urgency or pressing need for change or action.
On a bed Light
A bed that is illuminated and welcoming, rather than harsh or dreary like the motel room's lighting.
On a bed Tonight
The singer envisions this bed as a reality that can be achieved soon, perhaps even tonight.
On a bed Roses
The roses symbolize luxury and comfort, contrasting sharply with the barren and spartan environment of the motel room.
She deserves to sleep tonight
Reiteration of the idea that Desiree needs and deserves a good night's rest, emphasizes the singer's empathy and compassion for her plight.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KEITH STEGALL, ZACK TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind