Shannon’s Perspective:
“When you can't give no more
They want it all, but you gotta say no
I'm turnin' off the noise that makes me crazy
Lookin' back with no regrets
To forgive is to forget
I want a little piece of mind to turn to”
If only I would have learned to be good to myself sooner in life, but as they say better late then never.
Along with Brad Delp (Boston), Jon Anderson (Yes), and Geddy Lee (Rush), Steve Perry is among the greatest male vocalists ever.
Not only that, but Journey was a powerhouse band with real talent. I mean, Frontiers was released in February 1983 (again - best year of music releases ever) which had some iconic songs.
This song was released in April of 1986 - so my sophomore year in High School. Impressionable time, for sure.
Relative to our Villain or Victim theme, the message is simple: Be Good to Yourself.
You can't be everything to everyone. You will be a villain to somebody (hopefully unintentionally). You will be a victim.
You have to focus on your own well-being. This song is auto-biographical in nature for Steve and sometimes when you're going through hell that's when you can shine the most.
I can't imagine going through personal strife and penning this song. For everyone else it's a rock anthem battle cry. For Steve Perry, it feels like it was a last ditch, last resort act of desperation to help himself...
30th Anniversary
Our Story - Shannon's Perspective
Our Story - Larry's Perspective
Ghost of a Chance (Rush) and why?
Ghost of a Chance 