We're Still Here by Steve Perry

Album: Traces (2018)

License This Song

lyrics

Songfacts®:

Steve Perry wrote this reflective ballad with Canadian producer/songwriter Brian West, whom he met through former Journey bassist Randy Jackson.
Perry recalled to Louder Sound that West and him started writing this song before breaking for dinner. They went to a place down the street and as it was the first time that Perry had been in Hollywood in a long while he was captivated by the 16 and 17-year-olds he saw running around.

The sight served as inspiration for this song. Perry said: "Coming back there were all these young kids running around on the corner of Sunset & Vine, living their lives and doing the things we did at their age. We're still here but they're doing it now – city girls running wild under neon lights."
The neo-noir inspired video was directed by Myriam Santos (Common, Andra Day, Tommy Lee). It shows Perry lip-syncing to the tune as he drives a Chevrolet Chevelle SS through the same Hollywood streets that moved him to co-write this song. It marked Perry's first proper visual for a solo track since 1994's "Missing You."
Regarding filming the video, Perry said in a Facebook Q&A, "Driving that car around the streets of Hollywood reminded me of my earlier cruising days in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Those were magical times when you were driving up and down the street repeatedly with music blaring."

Comments: 1

Carcrazy69 from UsaThe 1970 SS Chevelle has 4 round headlights and only two tail lights and they were square. In the video, you can clearly see that this model has TWO headlights & FOUR ROUND tail lights, making this “SS” either a 1971 or 1972. The question is, which year did they use?

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Scooby SnacksFun Lovin' Criminals

The Scooby Snacks in the Fun Lovin' Criminals song aren't dog treats, they're Valium pills.

Stop Your SobbingPretenders

"Stop Your Sobbing" was first recorded by The Kinks in 1964. It became the Pretenders first single 15 years later, leading to a relationship between Ray Davies and Chrissie Hynde.

Year Of The CatAl Stewart

The title of Al Stewart's "Year Of The Cat" comes from Vietnamese astrology. The Year of the Cat comes every 12 Years: 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023...

My WayFrank Sinatra

According to Frank Sinatra's daughter, he hated "My Way," but had to sing it at every show when it became his signature song.

25 Or 6 To 4Chicago

The title "25 Or 6 To 4" by Chicago refers to the time it was written: either 25 minutes to 4 (3:35) or 26 (3:34).

I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)The Four Tops

The Four Tops' "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" was written by the Motown team of Lamont Dozier, Brian Holland and Eddie Holland. The phrase "Sugar pie, honey bunch" was something Dozier's grandfather used to say when he was a kid.