Here I Go Again Explained

Here I Go Again
Cover:WhitesnakeHereIGoAgain.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Whitesnake
Album:Saints & Sinners
B-Side:Bloody Luxury
Released:October 1982[1]
Recorded:1981–1982
Length:5:09
Label:Liberty
Producer:Martin Birch
Prev Title:Would I Lie to You
Prev Year:1981
Next Title:Victim of Love
Next Year:1982
Here I Go Again
Cover:Hereigoagain.jpg
Type:single
Artist:Whitesnake
Album:Whitesnake
B-Side:"Children of the Night" (US)
"Guilty of Love" (UK)
Released:June 1987 (US)
19 October 1987 (UK)[2]
Recorded:September 1985 – November 1986[3]
Genre:Glam metal[4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
Length:
  • 4:36 (album version)
  • 3:54 (radio edit mix)
Label:Geffen
Producer:
Prev Title:Still of the Night
Prev Year:1987
Next Title:Is This Love
Next Year:1987

"Here I Go Again" is a song by the British rock band Whitesnake. It was originally released on their 1982 album, Saints & Sinners through Liberty in October 1982. The song was written by David Coverdale and Bernie Marsden, and produced by Martin Birch. The song was written for Coverdale's troubling marriage with his first wife, Julia.

Notably made as a power ballad, the song was re-recorded for their 1987 self-titled album. Around that same time, the song was re-recorded again for a single "radio-mix" version released in June 1987 in the United States and 19 October in their native UK. The success of the song propelled Whitesnake (1987) to nearly hover at the top of the US Billboard chart for several months, marking the band breaking the song into a national anthem.

"Here I Go Again" received positive reviews, with some critics referring the song as the "signature tune for Coverdale and Whitesnake". The original recording only hit number 34 on the UK Singles Chart, and remained on the chart for five weeks, while charting in Australia and Germany, peaking at 53 and 51, respectively. In the United States, both the original song and the original Saints & Sinners album had failed to chart due to it not being released there, but the re-recording eventually reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as a sleeper hit and remained there for one week, being the band's only number-one single of that chart in their discography to date. It also peaked at number four on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The re-recording also peaked at number nine in the UK. "Here I Go Again" is certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). It also reached number one in Canada, and the top ten in the Netherlands and Ireland, while it charted in several other countries.

In 2018 at the BMI London Awards, it received the "5 Million Performances Award",[9] while in 2022 it garnered the "8 Million-Air Award".[10]

Background and writing

The song was written by lead singer David Coverdale and former Whitesnake guitarist Bernie Marsden in late 1981 when Coverdale had retreated to a small villa in southern Portugal. During that time, Coverdale's marriage with his then-wife Julia became strained, which "fueled my [song]writing".[11] This provoked him to write the song within an hour and record it with the band, but troubled production and the line-up caused the band to go on a hiatus by January 1982. By August, the band had re-grouped with a slightly different line-up and introduced their fifth studio album in November.[11] According to Coverdale, "Here I Go Again" and "Crying in the Rain" both have similar compositions as "documenting the breakdown—the breakup of my first marriage".[12]

The composition began as a two-track demo at Marsden's residence in Buckingham, "with the opening line ‘I don't know where I'm going’, the chorus and the riff. It existed towards the end of the sessions for the previous album". He also asserted that it was written over Coverdale's divorce or "that it was written on a boat in Venezuela, which always mystified me.”[13] "Here I Go Again" was composed at the end of the Come an' Get It recording sessions, where an attempt was made to lay down the tracks in Rock City Studios in Shepperton back in January 1981.[13] Another attempt was made to record the song, this time at Clearwell Castle.[14] According to Marsden, he approached Coverdale about the demo then changed some of the lyrics in Coverdale's approval completed within "an hour",[13] simply because it "was cool, because he's the guy who's gonna sing the song."[14]

Not long after that, the song was finished, and the composition was shown to the band, to which the members responded with approval. Jon Lord started the song with a hook into a Hammond organ, which impressed Marsden while playing guitar riffs on it.[14] The song was the last recording the band had the instrumental tracks for Saints & Sinners before the hiatus.[14]

The most notable difference between the original and re-recorded versions is a slight change in the bluesy lyrics and pace.[15] 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.[16] [17] [18]

In the album track-by-track interview recorded in 2017, Coverdale said:

The chorus of the original version features the lines:

And here I go again on my ownGoing down the only road I've ever knownLike 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 decided to use "hobo" instead. However, the lyric was changed back to "drifter" in the re-recorded '87 version, reportedly to ensure that it would not be misheard as "homo".[15] [17]

The song was used in the climax of romantic comedy film Man Up (2015).[15]

Composition

The composition is in the key of G major and a tempo of 91 BPM.[19] The key tuning of the 1987 album version and the "radio-mix" version was similar to the original 1982 recording.

Chart performance

The original 1982 single "Here I Go Again" charted within the top 40, debuting at number 65 on 6 November 1982, then peaking at number 34 on 4 December on the UK Singles Chart. The single remained on that chart for 11 weeks with the last week at number 99 on 15 January 1983.[20] The single charted in Germany, debuting at number 69 at the end of January 1983, then peaking at number 51 on 7 March for a total spent of 12 weeks on that chart. It also charted in Australia, where it peaked at number 53.

The re-recorded version (collectively titled "Here I Go Again 87'" or the "radio-mix" version) became an international breakthrough single, commercially, where it debuted at number 80 on the Billboard Hot 100 on 4 July 1987,[21] before eventually peaking at the top spot on 10 October for one week.[22] "Here I Go Again" was Whitesnake's only number one single in the US and Canada in their discography. It also peaked at number four on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay chart and stayed for a total of 19 weeks, making it the longest band's single to remain on that chart.[23] The re-recorded version was more successful than the original recording in the UK chart, where it peaked at number nine in the UK on 28 November, staying at 11 weeks on that chart.[24] In total, the single charted in a total of nine countries between the consecutive years of 1987 through 1988. By the year-end of 1987, the track remained in four countries, with that being on the US Cash Box Top 100 at number six[25] and charting at number seven on the main Hot 100 chart.[26] The track entered the Norway charts for the first time in the 39th week on 2007, charting at number 17.[27] "Here I Go Again", alongside the 1982 recording, charted in a total of 10 countries. Following the death of Tawny Kitaen in 2021, the single debuted at number one on Billboards Hot Hard Rock Songs chart on 22 May 2021 and number twenty-one on Billboards Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart, to which it drew 2.5 million U.S. streams, up by 22 percent than the previous week, and sold approximately 1,000 song downloads, according to MRC data, totaling at 1,766 (minimum) to 1,800 sold in the US (according to the RIAA album-equivalent streaming sales unit).[28]

Music video

The '82 music video features the band performing the song onstage.[17] The music video for the '87 re-recorded version was directed by Marty Callner.[29] 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.[17] Her notable sex-appeal was immediately recognized; she filmed 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).[29] [30] [31] Coverdale recalls that he brought choreographer Paula Abdul to the set to show Tawny some moves, but Abdul exclaimed that Tawny was already so accomplished regarding this video that she couldn't "show her anything".[32] [33] [34] Coverdale's iconic white Jaguar once again appeared in the music video for the single "Shut Up & Kiss Me" from the 2019 studio album Flesh & Blood.[32] [35]

The song's 1987 music video was listed as one of the 15 Essential Hair-Metal Videos by The New York Times.[36]

Single versions

There are several different versions of the song, all recorded officially by Whitesnake.[17]

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.[39] In 1997 Whitesnake recorded an acoustic version, released on their Starkers in Tokyo live album.[17]

Impact and legacy

In 2003, Martin Popoff listed the song at number 274 in The Top 500 Heavy Metal Songs of All Time,[40] while Q magazine ranked it at 962 on their list of the "1001 Best Songs Ever".[41] In 2006, the 1987 version was ranked number 17 on VH1's "100 Greatest Songs of the '80s".[42] In 2008, The Times included it in their top 11 "heavy metal at its best" list.[43] In the 2012 Reader's Poll of Rolling Stone, it ranked 9th among the top 10 "Best Hair Metal Songs of All Time".[44] In 2017, The Daily Telegraph included it among the top 21 best power ballads.[45]

The song has been covered by many artists and celebrities, notably Kelly Clarkson.[46]

Personnel

Credits are adapted adapted from Saints & Sinners and Whitesnake (1987) liner notes and Apple Music.[47] [48] [49] [50]

valign=top
Whitesnake (1982 Version)
Technical
  • Martin Birch – producer, engineer, mixing (at Battery Studios)
  • Bryan New – assistant engineer
  • Guy Bidmead – engineer
  • Steve Angel – mastering
valign=top
Whitesnake (1987 Version)
Technical
valign=top
Whitesnake (1987 radio-mix version)
  • David Coverdale – vocals
  • Dann Huff – guitar
  • Mark Andes – bass
  • Denny Carmassi – drums
  • Tommy Funderburk – backing vocals
  • Don Airey – keyboards
  • Bill Cuomo – keyboards

Chart performance

This song is notable for being the only Whitesnake song to get airplay on adult contemporary stations despite not registering at all on the AC charts while "Is This Love" did, reaching No. 38.[51]

Year-end charts

Chart (1987)Position
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[54] 68
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[55] 82
UK Singles (OCC)[56] 100
US Billboard Hot 100[57] 7
US Cash Box Top 100[58] 6

Cover versions

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: The Great Rock Discography. 1995. 894 . 9780862415419 . Strong . Martin Charles . Canongate Press .
  2. Web site: Whitesnake "Here I Go Again" press promo release . . 13 August 2024.
  3. Book: Popoff . Martin . Martin Popoff . The Deep Purple Family . 2 . 2nd . Wymer Publishing . 2018 . 117 . 978-1-908724-87-8.
  4. Web site: Smith. Troy L.. 13 May 2021. Every No. 1 song of the 1980s ranked from worst to best. 7 June 2021. Cleveland.com.
  5. Web site: Erlewine. Stephen Thomas. Stephen Thomas Erlewine. Best of 80's Metal, Vol. 2 - Various Artists Songs, Reviews, Credits. 6 January 2021. AllMusic.
  6. Web site: Wake. Matt. 13 June 2016. A&R Legend John Kalodner Talks Aerosmith and Why Rock Won't Reach the Masses Again. 10 February 2021. LA Weekly.
  7. Web site: Sleazegrinder. 4 December 2015. The 20 Best Hair Metal Anthems Of All Time Ever. 3 March 2021. Louder Sound.
  8. Book: Case, George. Jimmy Page: Magus, Musician, Man. 2007. Backbeat Books. 978-0-87930-947-3. 199. registration.
  9. Web site: Harry Gregson-Williams and Other Top Songwriters Honored At 2018 BMI London Awards . 1 October 2018 . . 21 November 2023.
  10. Web site: 2022 London Awards . 2022 . . 21 November 2023.
  11. Come an' Get It . Come an' Get It . Whitesnake . 2007 . Geoff . Barton . Geoff Barton . 411 . booklet . EMI . 0946 3 81958 2 5.
  12. Web site: Whitesnake '87 Track by Track - Here I Go Again 87 . YouTube . 6 December 2017 . Whitesnake TV . 30 June 2024.
  13. Web site: Ling . David . Here I Go Again by Whitesnake: the meaning behind the song . . 1 July 2024 . 25 August 2023.
  14. Web site: Ives . Brian . Bernie Marsden And The Story Of Whitesnake's 'Here I Go Again' . 95.7 Ben FM (WBEN-FM) . . 1 July 2024 . 2 October 2020.
  15. News: Hann . Michael . 22 April 2015 . David Coverdale: 'I amplify who I am 10 times when I'm on stage' . . 4 December 2020.
  16. Book: Popoff, Martin. 2015. Sail Away: Whitesnake's Fantastic Voyage. 148. Soundcheck Books . 9780957570085.
  17. News: Kielty . Martin . 10 October 2017 . How Whitesnake Hit No. 1 With a Third Take on 'Here I Go Again' . Ultimate Classic Rock . 4 December 2020.
  18. News: Wardlaw . Matt . 29 September 2017 . Why David Coverdale Couldn't Wait to Remix 'Whitesnake', and What's Next: Exclusive Interview . Ultimate Classic Rock . 4 December 2020.
  19. Web site: Key and BPM of Whitesnake - Here I Go Again - AudioKeychain. AudioKeychain.
  20. Web site: Here I Go Again/Bloody Luxury - UK Official Charts History . . 1 July 2024.
  21. Web site: Billboard Hot 100 Chart - July 4th, 1987 . . 1 July 2024.
  22. Web site: Billboard Hot 100 Chart - October 10th, 1987 . . 1 July 2024.
  23. Web site: Whitesnake's Billboard "Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart" history . . 1 July 2024.
  24. Web site: Here I Go Again (1987) - UK Official Charts History . . 1 July 2024.
  25. Web site: Cash Box YE Pop Singles - 1987 . Cashboxcountdowns.com . 26 December 1987 . 17 October 2012 . 26 August 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160826101549/http://www.cashboxcountdowns.com/archives/80s_files/1987YESP.html . dead .
  26. December 26, 1987 . 1987 The Year in Music & Video: Top Pop Singles . Billboard . 99 . 52 .
  27. Web site: Whitesnake - Here I Go Again: Norway Chart History . . 1 July 2024.
  28. Rutherford. Kevin . 20 May 2021 . After Tawny Kitaen's Death, Whitesnake's 'Here I Go Again' Debuts Atop Hot Hard Rock Songs Chart . Billboard . 15 November 2023.
  29. Web site: Whitesnake's "Here I Go Again" tops the charts . . A&E Television Networks . 27 January 2010 . 5 December 2020.
  30. Web site: 7 April 2017 . The 1987 Album – Happy 30th! . Whitesnake.com . 5 December 2020.
  31. News: Wake . Matt . 8 July 2020 . 20 of the most iconic cars in rock & roll . . 5 December 2020.
  32. News: Kaufman . Spencer . 13 March 2019 . David Coverdale Tells the Story Behind Whitesnake's Iconic "Here I Go Again" Video . . Yahoo! . 5 December 2020.
  33. https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/actress-tawny-kitaen-ex-wife-of-david-coverdale-dies-at-59/ Actress Tammy Kitaen, Ex-Wife Of David Coverdale, Dies At 59
  34. https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/ouchyomh/episodes/2021-05-02T17_58_15-07_00 Ep #212 Interview with Marc Moore of Van Halen Nation, Music by Mädhouse and 5 Qs with Tawny Kitaen
  35. Graff . Gary . Gary Graff . 14 February 2019 . Whitesnake Busts Out the Iconic White Jaguar for 'Shut Up & Kiss Me' Video: Premiere . Billboard . 5 December 2020.
  36. News: Edwards. Gavin. 5 May 2020. 15 Essential Hair-Metal Videos. The New York Times. 15 March 2021. 0362-4331.
  37. Web site: Whitesnake - Here I Go Again / Bloody Luxury (Vinyl) . Discogs.com . 2016-10-31.
  38. Web site: Whitesnake – Whitesnake . Discogs.com . 2018-12-14.
  39. Web site: Whitesnake - Here I Go Again (USA Remix) (Vinyl) at Discogs . www.discogs.com . 2017-10-20.
  40. Book: Popoff, Martin . Martin Popoff . 2003 . The Top 500 Heavy Metal Songs of All Time . Toronto . ECW Press. 9781550225303.
  41. Book: Q Special Edition - 1001 Best Songs Ever.. . 2003 . EMAP . 6 December 2020.
  42. Web site: VH1: 100 Greatest Songs of the 80's . Rock on the Net . 2014-01-31.
  43. News: Turn it up to 11: heavy metal at its best. 3 November 2008. The Times. 14 November 2023.
  44. 20 June 2012 . Readers' Poll: The Best Hair Metal Songs of All Time . Rolling Stone.
  45. News: Bonnie Tyler's Total Eclipse of the Heart and the 20 other best power ballads. 18 August 2017. The Daily Telegraph.
  46. News: Lewry . Fraser . 8 February 2023 . Watch Kelly Clarkson nail Whitesnake's Here I Go Again . . 12 July 2024.
  47. Saints & Sinners . Saints & Sinners (Whitesnake album) . Whitesnake . 2007 . Geoff . Barton . Geoff Barton . 411 . booklet . . 0946 381961 2 9.
  48. Whitesnake . . 1987 . booklet . . 07599240992.
  49. Whitesnake . . 2017 . booklet . . 0190295785192.
  50. Web site: Here I Go Again (Radio Mix) by Whitesnsake: Credits . . 1 July 2024.
  51. Whitesnake Chart History. Billboard.
  52. Book: Kent, David. David Kent (historian). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. illustrated. Australian Chart Book. St Ives, N.S.W.. 1993. 0-646-11917-6. 19.
  53. Web site: Here I Go Again - Whitesnake . . 16 November 2023.
  54. Web site: Single Top 100 Over 1987 . Top40.nl . 31 October 2016.
  55. Web site: Jaaroverzichten – Single 1987. dutchcharts.nl. 26 September 2021.
  56. Web site: UK Top 100 Singles & Albums of 1987 . Moopy.org.uk . 17 October 2012 . 18 January 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110118060746/http://www.moopy.org.uk/forums/showthread.php?30117-UK-Top-100-Singles-amp-Albums-of-1987 . dead .
  57. December 26, 1987 . 1987 The Year in Music & Video: Top Pop Singles . Billboard . 99 . 52 .
  58. Web site: Cash Box YE Pop Singles - 1987 . Cashboxcountdowns.com . 26 December 1987 . 17 October 2012 . 26 August 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160826101549/http://www.cashboxcountdowns.com/archives/80s_files/1987YESP.html . dead .
  59. Web site: FRASH | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company . www.officialcharts.com . 2017-10-20.
  60. Web site: Mandaryna Here I go again - YouTube . https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/s4tKQjhCwms . 2021-12-21 . live. www.youtube.com . 26 April 2012 . 2017-10-20.