The Meaning Behind The Song: Beth by Kiss
Kiss is an American rock band that has been active since 1973. The band is known for their heavy makeup, outrageous costumes, and pyrotechnics during their live shows. However, they are also known for their rock ballads that tug at the heartstrings of their fans. One of their most popular ballads is “Beth,” which was released in 1976. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind “Beth” and how it became a timeless classic.
The Inspiration Behind “Beth”
“Beth” was written by Peter Criss, the drummer of Kiss. Peter Criss had been going through a tough time in his marriage, and he found solace in his music. He started to write “Beth” as a reflection of his experiences and feelings.
In an interview with Classic Rock magazine, Peter Criss said, “My wife Lydia was so upset about the time I was spending away from home that one night, when I called her from a payphone, she said, ‘Can’t you come home?’ I said, ‘I’m working,’ and she said, ‘It’s 3 o’clock in the morning – I’m pregnant, and I’m sitting here alone.’ I said, ‘I’ll try to hurry home.’ But I was in the studio with Bob Ezrin and the guys, and we were working on a few different tracks. And then the phone rang again; they passed it to me, and Lydia said, ‘They hung up on me.’ I hung up the phone and wrote ‘Beth.’ The song was about me feeling so guilty about not being there for my wife, that I felt like I needed to write something for her.”
The Lyrics of “Beth”
The lyrics of “Beth” tell the story of a man who is torn between his passion for his music and his love for his wife. In the song, the man is on the road, playing his music, and his wife is at home, waiting for him. The man is racked with guilt and tells his wife that he loves her and that he wishes he could be there with her. The chorus of the song is one of the most recognizable in music history – “Beth, I hear you callin’, but I can’t come home right now, me and the boys are playin’, and we just can’t find the sound.”
The lyrics of “Beth” are deeply personal, and they speak to the hearts of anyone who has ever been torn between their passion and their responsibilities.
The Reception of “Beth”
“Beth” was not initially included on the album “Destroyer,” but it was released as a single in August 1976. The song became an instant hit, reaching number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Beth” was also a hit in other countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The success of “Beth” was surprising, considering that Kiss was a hard-rocking, metal band known for their loud and flashy stage shows. However, “Beth” showed a different side of the band, and it resonated with their fans. “Beth” became a signature song for Kiss, and it remains one of their most beloved hits.
The Legacy of “Beth”
Over the years, “Beth” has been covered by numerous artists, including Oasis, Foo Fighters, and Guns N’ Roses. The song has become a classic rock ballad and a staple on radio stations around the world. In 1999, “Beth” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, which recognizes recordings that have “qualitative or historical significance.”
In an interview with Classic Rock magazine, Paul Stanley, the co-founder of Kiss, said, “Peter’s contribution was unique, and the song ‘Beth’ is one of the most enduring ballads of the rock era.”
The Impact of “Beth”
“Beth” was a turning point for Kiss. The success of the song proved that they could do more than just rock out. “Beth” showed a vulnerable and emotional side of the band that resonated with fans. The song helped to cement Kiss as one of the most influential bands of the 1970s and beyond.
In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Gene Simmons, the bassist of Kiss, said, “The song ‘Beth’ changed the way people saw us. They saw us as a band that could write a ballad, and that ballad spoke to something inside people. It spoke to their hearts.”
The Meaning Behind The Song
The meaning behind “Beth” is simple but profound. The song speaks to the struggle of balancing one’s passion and responsibilities. Peter Criss was torn between his love of music and his love for his wife. “Beth” is a love letter to his wife, an apology for his absence, and a tribute to the sacrifices that loved ones make for each other.
In an interview with Classic Rock magazine, Peter Criss said, “The song is just about a conversation between a man and a woman who love each other. That’s really all it is. It’s about feelings.”
Conclusion
“Beth” is a timeless classic that has endured for over four decades. The song speaks to the hearts of anyone who has ever been torn between their passion and their responsibilities. Peter Criss wrote the song as a tribute to his wife and as an apology for his absence. “Beth” is a simple but profound love letter that speaks to the power of music and the power of love.
