Album: Dr. Feelgood (1989)

Charted: 39 8

License This Song 

Songfacts®:

• Motley bass player Nikki Sixx and guitarist Mick Mars wrote this song. Drummer Tommy Lee was dating Heather Locklear at the time, and their relationship inspired the lyrics. It's one of the softer and more sensitive songs the band recorded.
• Bassist Nikki Sixx explained to Rolling Stone: "That was a very simple idea for a song, which I had written a lyric about Heather Locklear and Tommy. They were coming over to my place all the time. I thought to myself one day, 'Without You' coming from Tommy's perspective, life would not be the same. It was a good relationship at that time. It was sort of a romantic moment. I apologize for that."
  
  Vocalist Vince Neil added: "That's a great ballad. I love singing that song. We've done that a few times at concerts. For me, it's a great song to sing. It really lets me go and get my voice out there. I remember shooting the video down in Corpus Christ, Texas. We had a black panther and all kinds of crap. It was a goofy video, but it's a great song."
• The video was directed by Mary Lambert, who also did the visual for "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)." Mötley Crüe didn't use a lot of special effects in their videos, but "Without You" opens with some computer animation that was cutting-edge for its time.
• This was the third single from the Dr. Feelgood album, showing the band's softer side following the ribald title track and manic "Kickstart My Heart."

Comments: 9

• Jeffre from New Braunfels TexasLisalust is correct. Video was shot on the Strand at the Old Opera House. U was lucky enough to actually get to watch the filming of the video one night. LONG STORY, but true.
• Lisalust from Galveston Texas Sorry, Vince the video was not shot in corpus christi. It was in Galveston, Texas at the Opera House.
• Dawn From Ct/fla And Now Tenn from 37857All you dumbasses commenting its a horrible song can pack sand! I didn't get married in the 70's, 80's or 90's. I married my best friend in 2011 after being together for 12 yrs and raising 3 amazing kids from previous marriages. Crue was and always will be part of my life. My Husband and I loved music. We mostly connected with NIN, Godsmack. A7F, FFDP, but I always held Crue to a higher level. We finally married in 2011 and I chose Without You for our wedding song. Unfortunately my Husband committed suicide in 2018 after battling opioid addiction no thanks to his doctors, mixed with depression. This song will forever be part of my life and I am eternally grateful i read Heroin Diaries when it first came out. After my Husband died, my daughter sent me the new version with added pages and pics. I admire Nikki for his strength and fight. I admire Vince for his strength and ability to live after his loss. I admire Mick for his refusal to give up thru his debilitating disease. And Tommy who I witnessed falling from the drums above and literally feeling and hearing him hit the stage. I'm not super religious, but Ive always kept him in my prayers.Ive attended as many tours as I could and even brought my Nephew to his first concert in Estero Fla to see his favorite band Crue perform. Seeing his face while watching Tommy's drum solo directly above us was priceless!! You will always be a part of my life and I thank you! Without You is more than my wedding song. Its all of you, my Husband, my kids, its everything.
• Anna from Myrtle Beach, ScThis is 1 of the worst songs written in history
• Athena from Newberg, OrI have to disagree with the 'dating Heather Locklear' statement.
  
  Tommy and Heather were NOT dating when this song was penned; they were MARRIED at the time.
  
  Other than that slight error, this is still one of my absolute favorite Crue songs.
• Johan from Almunge, SwedenHas anyone seen the video? Its really cool, Mick Mars plays with a key at some parts, really awesome, I recommend you guys to watch it =)!
• Karren from Deerfiled, Nhthis song is great its my wedding song
• Jessica from Orangeville, CanadaThe song's good but not my favourite
• Adriana from Monterrey, MexicoI fell in love with this song

More Songfacts:

Foolish GamesJewel

A guy Jewel fell for when she was 16 inspired her hit "Foolish Games."

(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and UnderstandingElvis Costello

"(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding" was written by Nick Lowe in 1974. The original version with his group Brinsley Schwarz was kind of somber, but Elvis Costello made it a classic with his 1978 uptempo take.

StanEminem

Thanks to Eminem's song, the word "stan" was added to the Oxford American Dictionary in 2017. It means an obsessive fan.

Happy Xmas (War Is Over)John Lennon

"Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" is based on billboards John Lennon and Yoko Ono posted two years earlier declaring "War Is Over! If You Want It."

RaptureBlondie

The first #1 hit with a rap was "Rapture" by Blondie in 1980. Debbie Harry's rhymes left lots of room for improvement.

BelieveCher

When "Believe" hit #1 in America, it made Cher, age 52, the oldest woman ever to top the chart.

Editor's Picks

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Second Wind SongsSong Writing

Some songs get a second life when they find a new audience through a movie, commercial, TV show, or even the Internet.

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-NightersSong Writing

These Three famous songs actually describe how they were written - late into the evening.

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.