Here I Go Again by Whitesnake: the meaning behind the song

Whitesnake are an English hard rock band formed in London in 1978.

The story of Whitesnake’s evolution involves two distinct eras that garnered their own groups of fans. The first incarnation of the band, founded by David Coverdale in 1978, showcased a blues-rock style and a lineup of talented musicians. The second era emerged in the mid-1980s, when Coverdale aimed to conquer the American market by assembling a new lineup with a more image-friendly approach.

The original Whitesnake consisted of skilled musicians chosen for their musical expertise and compatibility. Over time, this lineup underwent changes, and by the time their 1984 album “Slide It In” was released in the US, notable members like Bernie Marsden and Micky Moody had departed. The 1980 anthem “Fool For Your Loving” was later controversially reworked in 1989 by a lineup that featured Steve Vai on guitar.

However, the song that truly solidified Whitesnake’s presence in the US was “Here I Go Again.” Originally a single from the album “Saints & Sinners” in 1982, it gained immense popularity when a revised version became the band’s first American chart-topper in 1987. The song was jointly credited to Bernie Marsden and David Coverdale, though Coverdale’s role in its creation has been described differently over time.

Marsden explained that the song’s inception took place during a two-track demo session at his home, with him contributing the opening line, chorus, and riff. As the recording progressed, Coverdale took the demo and completed the lyrics in about an hour. Despite its quality, creating the “Saints & Sinners” album wasn’t without difficulties. Coverdale confronted the band in 1982 due to attitudes, which led to tensions and even a band member walking out. However, they managed to pull through and complete the album.

The US version of the song altered some lyrics to avoid misunderstandings, changing the line “Like a hobo I was born to walk alone” to “Like a drifter.”

While some members had differing opinions on later versions of certain tracks, Bernie Marsden acknowledged that the revised “Here I Go Again” was a strong version. The changes paid off, as the song became a US number one, a prediction made by John Kalodner, an influential figure at Geffen Records.

Whitesnake has undergone various lineup changes throughout its history. The specific members have included:

David Coverdale (vocals): The founder of Whitesnake and its consistent frontman.
Bernie Marsden (guitar): An original member who contributed to the band’s early success. Died Aug 2023.
Micky Moody (guitar): Another original member who played a significant role in the band’s early days.
Neil Murray (bass): A recurring member who contributed to different eras of Whitesnake.
Jon Lord (keyboards): An important member in the early years, known for his work with Deep Purple as well.
Ian Paice (drums): Another Deep Purple alum who joined Whitesnake during certain periods.
John Sykes (guitar): Played a pivotal role in Whitesnake’s success during the mid-1980s.
Adrian Vandenberg (guitar): Contributed to the band’s later years, including some of their biggest hits.

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, Whitesnake was still an active band, although lineup changes and shifts in activity might have occurred since then.

Some of Whitesnake’s biggest hits include:

“Here I Go Again”: This iconic song achieved chart success in both the UK and the US, especially in its revised version from 1987.
“Is This Love”: Another hit that became one of Whitesnake’s signature tracks.
“Still of the Night”: Known for its powerful guitar riffs and distinctive vocals, this song is one of their classic rock staples.
“Fool for Your Loving”: Originally released in 1980 and later reworked, it showcases their blues-rock roots.
“Love Ain’t No Stranger”: A track that captures Whitesnake’s blend of rock and blues elements.

These are just a few examples of Whitesnake’s most notable songs, but the band has a rich catalog with many more hits and fan favorites.

The story of Whitesnake’s journey, marked by lineup changes and stylistic shifts, reflects the complexities and evolutions that many bands experience over the course of their careers.

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