Heaven – Warrant | Top 40 Chart Performance, Story and Song Meaning
Chart Performance: Pop (#2) & Mainstream Rock (#3); 1989
Story Behind The Song By Ed Osborne
Guitarist Erik Turner and bassist Jerry Dixon formed Warrant in 1984, however, before the band could even get off the ground, its lead singer and drummer bailed out. They were replaced respectively by Jani Lane and Steven Sweet from Plain Jane.
When axe-wielding Joey Allen signed on in March of 1987 and the new lineup broke the attendance record at Gazarri’s in LA, Warrant was ready for fame and fortune. In early ’88, Warrant scored a spot on the soundtrack to Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
A year later they debuted with Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich. Rock radio quickly picked up on the lead-off single, Down Boys, and spun it to #13. Although Down Boys also crossed over to #27 at Top 40, it was Warrant’s next single that broke them nationally.
Heaven was already an in-person crowd pleaser and reportedly helped convince the label honchos to sign Warrant. It now won over radio and MTV. In September of 1989, Heaven hit the Hot 100 heights at #2.
This content and all Song Meaning articles were created and written by Top 40 Contributing Editor Ed Osborne. © 2024 Ed Osborne. All Rights Reserved. In addition to these song meaning articles, Ed has written our “Year in Music 1960s-1990s” articles.
Produced by:
- Beau Hill
Lyrics Written by:
- Jani Lane
Ed Osborne
Hi. I got my first record at age two and never looked back, spending a decades-long career in radio and the music business. Even after years of reading about and listening to all types of music, I am still fascinated by it. Apart from that, I’m endlessly intrigued by art, nature, and the inner lives of people (and dogs).