Light On

Album: David Cook (2008)
Charted: 17
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This power ballad was penned by former Soundgarden and Audioslave vocalist Chris Cornell along with Brian Howes, who has written for Daughtry, Hinder and Puddle of Mudd. Rob Cavallo, who is best known for his work with Green Day and Kid Rock, produced the track.
  • This song is about someone having to leave his family to go on the road. It could refer to a soldier who has to return to Iraq and leave his wife behind and how he misses her. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Krista - Carbondale, PA
  • This was the first official single to be released from the 2008 American Idol winner's debut major label album.
  • David Cook first came across this song after he did a version of Cornell's cover of "Billie Jean on American Idol. Cook told MTV News what happened next: "Chris went into the media and said some really, really nice things. And this song actually got pitched to us, which I take as another huge compliment, the fact that he saw something in me with a song of his. Just the fact that somebody of his caliber takes the time out of their day not just to mention my name, but to say something nice, it's kind of out of this world."
  • David Cook told Entertainment Weekly that he considers this to be an interesting song. He explained: "It encompasses almost all of my range. It's all over the place. That's Chris Cornell at his finest. It's got some Zeppelin influence in it; it's got some '80s hair-metal influence; it's got some grunge influence. To me it's like a rock history lesson put into about a four-minute lecture. It's fun to play, but it is definitely an intimidating song."
  • Veteran producer Rob Cavallo, the man behind hit albums for Green Day, My Chemical Romance and Kid Rock among many others, helmed this tune, along with the rest of the set. Cook commented on the album's press release: "Rob did a great job of tuning in to who I am as a person. He really made the songs fit me, as opposed to tailoring them to fit someone else's perception of me."

Comments: 4

  • Scott from Reading, Pathis song is awesome
  • Krista from Carbondale, PaWoooott to all the above people! You have great taste! This is bound to be a hit! It's on it's way! :) Amazing video as well.
  • Jayme from Catonsville, MdThis my new favorite song!!!! And I usually don't change my favorite songs very often!!!!
  • Katie from Los Banos, CaThis song is SO freakin' AWESOME!
    David Cook is amazing singing this!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside Story

Jesus Christ Superstar: Ted Neeley Tells the Inside StorySong Writing

The in-depth discussion about the making of Jesus Christ Superstar with Ted Neeley, who played Jesus in the 1973 film.

Amy Grant

Amy GrantSongwriter Interviews

The top Contemporary Christian artist of all time on song inspirations and what she learned from Johnny Carson.

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New York

Janis Ian: Married in London, but not in New YorkSong Writing

Can you be married in one country but not another? Only if you're part of a gay couple. One of the first famous singers to come out as a lesbian, Janis wrote a song about it.