This Night Ranger tune from 1983 is undoubtedly one of THE absolute best '80s anthems. I can't believe I haven't already posted about it, but there's no time like the present -- especially since it's late at night and the song is by Night Ranger ;) Anyway, this song was written by the band's drummer, Kelly Keagy, about his younger sister. She was 10 years younger, and so he wrote about how she was growing up so fast -- just like the lyrics say. Yeah, I can understand this since I have two siblings who are much younger. So, this particular tune is poignant and sweet, or maybe bittersweet. It's hard to watch your little sister or brother grow up, but hey, what better way to express yourself than in song, right? This song has such a beautiful piano intro, and the vocals are strong and clear. As we get further along toward the chorus, the guitar comes in with a kind of "motoring" pulse accompanied by the drums, and then bam! "You're motoring...what's your price for flight...in finding Mister Right...you'll be alright tonight." I have to say, that is right on. It gets everyone up and rocking, but I have to say that this part of the song was kind of ruined for me with "Boogie Nights." You know the scene I'm talking about? The drugged up crazy dude playing air guitar and singing to this? Well, I am going to listen to this song over and over and push that image further and further away!
The video for this tune is also nicely produced and goes well with the song's lyrics. I always wonder, though, why is it that high school always looks so much cooler on film? Whether it's a movie, television show, or music video, I tell you -- high school in those arenas looks so much more exciting and glamorous than mine ever was. Oh well. I guess if I really use my imagination, I can think of my high school days in slow motion or some other cinematic way to make it better. Well, no motoring for me when I was that age. I took the bus and spent my nights at home playing clarinet -- oh, and listening to '80s music :)
