Here I go on the road again

Bob Seger

On a long and lonesome highway, east of omaha.
You can listen to the engine moaning out its one lone song
You can think about woman, or the girl you knew the night before,
But your thoughts will soon be wandering, the way they always do.
When your riding sixteen hours and theres nothing much to do
And you dont feel much like riding, you just wish the trip was through.
Say, here I am, on the road again. there I am, up on the stage.
Here I go, playing star again.
There I go, turn the page.
Well you walk into a restaurant, strung out from the road,
You can feel the eyes upon you as your shaking off the cold
You pretend it doesnt bother you, but you just want to explode.
Most times you cant hear em talk, other times you can.
Oh the same old cliche, as that woman on her a man
You always see my number, you dont dare make a stand.
Here I am, on the road again. there I am, up on the stage.
Here I go, playing star again.
There I go, turn the page.
Out there in the spotlight your a million miles away,
Every ounce of energy, you try and give away,
As the sweat pours out your body like the music that you play.
Later in the evening as you lie awake in bed,
With the echo from the amplifiers ringing in your head,
You smoke the days last cigarette, remembering what she said.
Now here I am, on the road again. there I am, up on the stage.
Here I go, playing star again.
There I go, turn the page.
Here I am, on the road again. there I am, up on the stage.
Ah here I go, playing star again.
There I go, there I go.

"Here I Go Again"
Here I go on the road again
Single by Whitesnake
from the album Saints & Sinners
B-side"Bloody Luxury"
ReleasedOctober 1982
Recorded1982
StudioGoodnight L.A. Studios, Los Angeles, USA, 1989-1990
GenreHard rock, blues rock
Length5:09
LabelGeffen
Songwriter(s)
  • David Coverdale
  • Bernie Marsden
Producer(s)Martin Birch
Whitesnake singles chronology
"Would I Lie to You"
(1981)
"Here I Go Again"
(1982)
"Victim of Love"
(1982)
Music video
"Here I Go Again" on YouTube
"Here I Go Again"
Here I go on the road again
Single by Whitesnake
from the album Whitesnake
B-side"Guilty of Love"
ReleasedJune 1987 (US)
October 1987 (UK)
Recorded1985–1986
GenreGlam metal[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Length
  • 4:36 (album version)
  • 3:54 (radio edit mix)
LabelGeffen
Songwriter(s)
  • David Coverdale
  • Bernie Marsden
Producer(s)
  • Mike Stone
  • Keith Olsen
Whitesnake singles chronology
"Still of the Night"
(1987)
"Here I Go Again"
(1987)
"Is This Love"
(1987)
Music video
"Here I Go Again '87" on YouTube

"Here I Go Again" is a song by British rock band Whitesnake. Originally released on their 1982 album, Saints & Sinners, the power ballad was re-recorded for their 1987 self-titled album. The song was re-recorded again the same year in a new "radio-mix" version, which was released as a single and hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on 10 October 1987 (the band's only number-one on that chart), and also number nine on the UK Singles Chart on 28 November 1987. The 1987 version also hit number one on the Canadian Singles Chart on 24 October 1987.

In 2003, Q magazine ranked it 962nd on their list of 1001 "Best Songs Ever".[7] In 2006, the 1987 version was ranked number 17 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the '80s.[8] In 2012 Reader's Poll of Rolling Stone it ranked as 9th among Top 10 "The Best Hair Metal Songs of All Time".[2] In 2017, The Daily Telegraph included it among Top 21 best power ballads.[9]

Background and writing[edit]

The song was written by the lead singer, David Coverdale, and former Whitesnake guitarist, Bernie Marsden. The most notable difference between the original and re-recorded versions are a slight change in the bluesy lyrics and pace.[10] The re-recording of the song in 1987 was advised by record labels bosses Al Coury and David Geffen as a negotiation deal with Coverdale to re-record "Crying in the Rain" for the band's self-titled album Whitesnake released in 1987.[11][12][13]

The chorus of the original version features the lines:

And here I go again on my own
Goin' down the only road I've ever known
Like a hobo I was born to walk alone

In an interview, Coverdale explained that initially the lyrics had "drifter" but as that was already used in different songs he chose instead "hobo", however the latter was changed again to "drifter" in the re-recorded '87 version, reportedly to ensure that it would not be misheard as "homo".[10][12]

The song was used in the climax of romantic comedy film Man Up (2015).[10]

Composition[edit]

The song is composed in the key of G major and a tempo of 91 BPM.[14]

Music video[edit]

The '82 music video features the band performing the song onstage.[12] The music video for the '87 re-recorded version was directed by Marty Callner.[15] The video includes, besides the band's stage performance, appearances by model Julie E. "Tawny" Kitaen, who was married to Whitesnake's David Coverdale from 1989 to 1991.[2][12] Her notable sex-appeal was immediately recognized, having memorable unchoreographed scenes dressed "in a white negligee, writhing and cartwheeling across the hoods of two Jaguars XJ" which belonged to Coverdale (white) and Callner (black).[15][16][17] Coverdale recalls that he even brought choreographer Paula Abdul to the set to show some moves to Coverdale's girlfriend Tawny, but only to positively exclaim that she couldn't "show her anything".[18][19][20] Coverdale's iconic white Jaguar once again appeared in the music video for single "Shut Up & Kiss Me" from their 2019 studio album Flesh & Blood.[18][21]

The song's '87 video was placed on New York Times list of the 15 Essential Hair-Metal Videos.[22]

Single versions[edit]

There are several different versions of the song, all recorded officially by Whitesnake.[12]

  • The original version from the 1982 Saints & Sinners album with Jon Lord on Hammond organ and Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody on guitar (5:03)[23]
  • The most popular version is the re-recorded version that appears on the Whitesnake (aka 1987) album with John Sykes on guitar (solo by Adrian Vandenberg) (4:36)[24]
  • A 1987 "radio-mix" version, asked by Geffen,[13] which was released as a United States single with Denny Carmassi on drums and Dann Huff on guitar, who also provided the new arrangement, which included an intro without keyboards and no Coverdale vocal intro verse. This version topped the charts,[12] and appeared on the Greatest Hits album in 1994 (3:54).

In 1987, EMI released a limited Collectors Poster Edition 'USA Single Remix' 7" vinyl [EMP 35], the B-side of which consists of an engraved signature version, and the sleeve of which unfolds into a poster of the band.[25] In 1997 the band recorded an acoustic version, released on their Starkers in Tokyo live album.[12]

Personnel[edit]

Original 1982 version from Saints & Sinners:

  • David Coverdale – lead vocals
  • Bernie Marsden – guitar
  • Micky Moody – guitar, backing vocals
  • Neil Murray – bass
  • Ian Paice – drums
  • Jon Lord – keyboards
  • Mel Galley – backing vocals

1987 version from Whitesnake:

  • David Coverdale – lead vocals
  • John Sykes – guitar, backing vocals
  • Neil Murray – bass
  • Aynsley Dunbar – drums
  • Adrian Vandenberg – guitar solo
  • Don Airey – keyboards
  • Bill Cuomo – keyboards

1987 radio-mix version:

  • David Coverdale – lead vocals
  • Dann Huff – guitar
  • Mark Andes – bass
  • Denny Carmassi – drums
  • Don Airey – keyboards
  • Bill Cuomo – keyboards

Chart performance[edit]

This song is notable for being the only Whitesnake song to get airplay on adult contemporary stations despite the fact "Is This Love" reached number 38 there and this song did not chart at all on the AC charts.[26]

Charts and certifications[edit]

Cover versions[edit]

  • A dance cover version by Frash was a minor hit in the UK in 1995, reaching number 69.[48]
  • In 2004, a dance/pop version of "Here I Go Again" was recorded by Polish dancer and singer Mandaryna.[49] Released as the debut single from her debut album Mandaryna.com, the song became a hit in Poland. It was later remixed by Axel Konrad of Groove Coverage for the single release in German speaking countries.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Smith, Troy L. (13 May 2021). "Every No. 1 song of the 1980s ranked from worst to best". Cleveland.com. Retrieved 7 June 2021.
  2. ^ a b c "Readers' Poll: The Best Hair Metal Songs of All Time". Rolling Stone. 20 June 2012.
  3. ^ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "Best of 80's Metal, Vol. 2 - Various Artists | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 6 January 2021.
  4. ^ Wake, Matt (13 June 2016). "A&R Legend John Kalodner Talks Aerosmith and Why Rock Won't Reach the Masses Again". LA Weekly. Retrieved 10 February 2021.
  5. ^ Sleazegrinder (4 December 2015). "The 20 Best Hair Metal Anthems Of All Time Ever". Louder Sound. Retrieved 3 March 2021.
  6. ^ Case, George (2007). Jimmy Page: Magus, Musician, Man. Backbeat Books. p. 199. ISBN 978-0-87930-947-3.
  7. ^ Q Special Edition - 1001 Best Songs Ever. EMAP. 2003. Retrieved 6 December 2020.
  8. ^ "VH1: 100 Greatest Songs of the 80's". Rock on the Net. Retrieved 31 January 2014.
  9. ^ "Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart and the 20 other best power ballads". The Daily Telegraph. 18 August 2017.
  10. ^ a b c Hann, Michael (22 April 2015). "David Coverdale: 'I amplify who I am 10 times when I'm on stage'". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  11. ^ Popoff, Martin (2015). Sail Away: Whitesnake's Fantastic Voyage. p. 148. ISBN 9780957570085.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ a b c d e f g Kielty, Martin (10 October 2017). "How Whitesnake Hit No. 1 With a Third Take on 'Here I Go Again'". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  13. ^ a b Wardlaw, Matt (29 September 2017). "Why David Coverdale Couldn't Wait to Remix 'Whitesnake', and What's Next: Exclusive Interview". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  14. ^ "Key and BPM of Whitesnake - Here I Go Again - AudioKeychain". AudioKeychain.
  15. ^ a b "Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" tops the charts". History. A&E Television Networks. 27 January 2010. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
  16. ^ "The 1987 Album – Happy 30th!". Whitesnake.com. 7 April 2017. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
  17. ^ Wake, Matt (8 July 2020). "20 of the most iconic cars in rock & roll". The Birmingham News. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
  18. ^ a b Kaufman, Spencer (13 March 2019). "David Coverdale Tells the Story Behind Whitesnake's Iconic "Here I Go Again" Video". Consequence of Sound. Retrieved 5 December 2020 – via Yahoo!.
  19. ^ Actress TAWNY KITAEN, Ex-Wife Of DAVID COVERDALE, Dies At 59 from Blabbermouth.net website
  20. ^ Ep #212 Interview with Marc Moore of Van Halen Nation, Music by Mädhouse and 5 Qs with Tawny Kitaen by Randy and Troy (May 2, 2021) from "Ouch, You're On My Hair" podcast
  21. ^ Graff, Gary (14 February 2019). "Whitesnake Busts Out the Iconic White Jaguar for 'Shut Up & Kiss Me' Video: Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
  22. ^ Edwards, Gavin (5 May 2020). "15 Essential Hair-Metal Videos". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 15 March 2021.
  23. ^ "Whitesnake - Here I Go Again / Bloody Luxury (Vinyl)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  24. ^ "Whitesnake – Whitesnake". Discogs.com. Retrieved 14 December 2018.
  25. ^ "Whitesnake - Here I Go Again (USA Remix) (Vinyl) at Discogs". www.discogs.com. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  26. ^ "Whitesnake Chart History". Billboard.
  27. ^ a b Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. Australian Chart Book. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
  28. ^ a b "Whitesnake – Here I Go Again". Top 40 Singles.
  29. ^ a b "Whitesnake – Here I Go Again". VG-lista.
  30. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Whitesnake – Here I Go Again". GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  31. ^ "Whitesnake – Here I Go Again %5B1987%5D" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  32. ^ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Archived from the original on 13 November 2014. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  33. ^ "The Irish Charts - All there is to know". Irishcharts.ie. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  34. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 47, 1987" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  35. ^ "Whitesnake – Here I Go Again %5B1987%5D" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  36. ^ "Whitesnake Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  37. ^ "Whitesnake Chart History (Mainstream Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  38. ^ "Offiziellecharts.de – Whitesnake – Here I Go Again [1987"]. GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  39. ^ "Whitesnake Chart History (Hot Rock & Alternative Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 19 May 2021.
  40. ^ "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". Collectionscanada.gc.ca. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  41. ^ "Single Top 100 Over 1987" (PDF). Top40.nl. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
  42. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 1987". dutchcharts.nl. Retrieved 26 September 2021.
  43. ^ "UK Top 100 Singles & Albums of 1987". Moopy.org.uk. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  44. ^ "1987 The Year in Music & Video: Top Pop Singles". Billboard. Vol. 99, no. 52. 26 December 1987.
  45. ^ "Cash Box YE Pop Singles - 1987". Cashboxcountdowns.com. 26 December 1987. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  46. ^ "Billboard Hot 100 60th Anniversary Interactive Chart". Billboard. Retrieved 10 December 2018.
  47. ^ "British single certifications – Whitesnake – Here I Go Again". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 21 December 2021.
  48. ^ "FRASH | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  49. ^ "Mandaryna Here I go again - YouTube". www.youtube.com. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 20 October 2017.

  • Here I Go Again 2017 Official Video Remix at official YouTube channel WhitesnakeTV
  • Here I Go Again 2020 HD at official YouTube channel WhitesnakeTV

Who is the original singer of turn the page?

"Turn the Page" is a song originally recorded by Bob Seger in 1971 and released on his Back in '72 album in 1973.

Are there 2 versions of Here I Go Again?

There are several different versions of the song, all recorded officially by Whitesnake.

What is Bob Seger's most famous song?

Seger's biggest hit of all time is the lead single from the 1987 film Beverly Hills Cop II, “Shakedown,” which earned the rock star his first (and only) No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 chart (dated Aug. 1, 1987).

What is the meaning behind On the Road Again?

Traveling away from one's home or usual place of work once again, as after a break.