About the song

Rainbow’s “Since You Been Gone” is a quintessential rock track that has stood the test of time since its release in 1979. Featured on the album “Down to Earth,” this song represents a pivotal moment for the band, marking a shift towards a more commercial sound. The track was written by Russ Ballard, a talented songwriter known for his knack for creating catchy, radio-friendly hits.

“Since You Been Gone” is a vibrant, energetic song that combines powerful guitar riffs, a memorable melody, and strong vocal performance. At its core, the song deals with the universal theme of heartbreak and the sense of loss that follows a breakup. The chorus, with its plaintive repetition of “Since you been gone, I’m out of my head,” captures the anguish and emotional turmoil of losing someone important.

The song’s release in the late 1970s came at a time when rock music was diversifying, with bands exploring new sounds and styles. Rainbow, originally formed by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore after leaving Deep Purple, was no exception. With “Since You Been Gone,” Rainbow embraced a more polished, accessible style that broadened their appeal and introduced them to a wider audience. The song’s catchy hook and relatable lyrics made it an instant hit, and it remains one of Rainbow’s most popular songs to date.

From a social perspective, “Since You Been Gone” resonated deeply with listeners. The late 1970s were a period of significant change and upheaval, and music served as a powerful outlet for expressing personal and collective emotions. The song’s themes of love and loss struck a chord with many, providing a soundtrack for those grappling with similar feelings in their own lives.

The track’s success also highlighted the versatility of Rainbow as a band. Known for their earlier, more progressive rock and metal influences, “Since You Been Gone” showcased their ability to create mainstream hits without sacrificing their musical integrity. The song’s impact extended beyond just the charts; it helped cement Rainbow’s place in rock history and influenced countless other bands in the genre.

In summary, “Since You Been Gone” by Rainbow is more than just a song about heartbreak—it’s a landmark track that captures a moment in time both for the band and for the broader rock music landscape. Its infectious energy, relatable lyrics, and enduring appeal make it a standout in Rainbow’s discography. For both longtime fans and new listeners, the song offers a perfect blend of emotional depth and rock and roll spirit, ensuring its place as a classic for generations to come.

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Lyrics

I get the same old dreams same time every nightFall to the ground and I wake upSo I get out of bed, put on my shoes and in my headThoughts fly back to the breakup
These four wall are closing inLook at the fix you put me in
Since you been goneSince you been goneI’m out of my head can’t take itCould I be wrongBut since you been goneYou cast your spell so break itOh oh, oh oh, oh ohSince you been gone
So in the night I stand beneath the backstreet lightI read the words that you sent to meI can take the afternoon, the night time comes around too soonYou can’t know what you mean to me
Your poison letter, your telegramJust goes to show you don’t give a damn
Since you been goneSince you been goneI’m out of my head can’t take itCould I be wrongBut since you been goneYou cast your spell so break itOh oh, oh oh, oh ohSince you been gone
If you will come backBaby, you know you’ll never do wrong
Since you been goneSince you been goneI’m out of my head can’t take itCould I be wrongBut since you been goneYou cast your spell so break itOh oh, oh oh, oh oh, oh ohEver since you been gone
Since you been goneSince you been goneI’m out of my head can’t take itSince you been goneSince you been goneI’m out of my head can’t take it