Listen – Miss the 80’s back then life and music was really good.
“Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” by Cinderella is a quintessential power ballad of the late 1980s, and it remains one of the most iconic songs to emerge from the glam metal era. Released in 1988 as the second single from their album *Long Cold Winter*, the song captures the emotional intensity and vulnerability that distinguished it from the harder-hitting tracks on the album. Written by the band’s frontman, Tom Keifer, this track brought out a different side of Cinderella, showing their ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with soaring melodies.
The song is anchored by its haunting piano intro, which gradually builds into a sweeping rock ballad driven by Keifer’s raspy vocals and the powerful instrumental accompaniment. Keifer’s distinctive voice, often characterized by its raw, gritty texture, takes on a more vulnerable tone in this track, effectively conveying the deep sense of regret and loss that permeates the lyrics. The melancholic piano chords coupled with the rising electric guitar set the stage for an emotional journey, one that explores the aftermath of a broken relationship.
The lyrics themselves are simple yet poignant, reflecting on the common theme of taking love for granted. “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” speaks to the realization of what has been lost only after it’s too late to make amends. This theme resonates universally, making the song relatable to listeners who have experienced the pain of regret after the end of a relationship. Keifer’s personal life at the time also fueled the authenticity of the song. His vocal delivery, full of grit and soul, hints at the rawness of the emotions he was going through.
Instrumentally, the song showcases the band’s musicality beyond the flashy guitar riffs typically associated with glam metal bands of the era. Jeff LaBar’s guitar work is highlighted in the powerful solos, providing a perfect contrast to the delicate piano. The balance between acoustic and electric elements in the song creates a dynamic push and pull, giving the track an anthemic quality. LaBar’s soaring guitar solo in the bridge, rich in emotion and technical precision, adds to the song’s dramatic arc and heightens the emotional impact.
The music video for “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” is another crucial element that contributed to its success. Filmed in picturesque settings, including the sweeping sand dunes of Monument Valley, the video visually mirrored the themes of isolation and loss that the song so vividly conveys. With the band members performing amidst vast, desolate landscapes, the visuals reinforce the feeling of emptiness that comes with realizing what’s been lost. Keifer, playing a grand piano in the middle of a desert, became one of the defining images of 80s power ballads, symbolizing both vulnerability and defiance.
Commercially, the song was Cinderella’s biggest hit, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. It received heavy airplay on both radio and MTV, solidifying the band’s place in the pantheon of 80s rock ballads. The track helped to expand Cinderella’s fanbase beyond the hard rock audience, appealing to listeners who were drawn to its softer, more melodic sound. The success of “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” also underscored the growing trend of glam metal bands incorporating power ballads into their repertoire as a way to reach wider audiences.
Beyond its commercial success, the song became a cultural touchstone for the glam metal era, embodying the emotional depth and musical complexity that some bands within the genre were capable of. It helped to dispel the notion that glam metal was solely about excess and theatrics, showing that bands like Cinderella could craft songs that were deeply introspective and emotionally resonant. As such, “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” is often cited as one of the defining ballads of the genre, standing alongside other classics like Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and Mötley Crüe’s “Home Sweet Home.”
While Cinderella may have been lumped into the broader glam metal category, this song showed that they had much more in common with blues and hard rock than some of their flashier contemporaries. The bluesy undercurrent running through “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” and much of *Long Cold Winter* is a testament to Keifer’s admiration for the genre, and it set the band apart from many of the more image-driven acts of the time.
In retrospect, “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” remains one of Cinderella’s most enduring songs. Its timeless message of love and loss continues to resonate with listeners decades after its release, and it’s often featured in classic rock playlists, keeping the band’s legacy alive. For many fans, this song represents the pinnacle of Cinderella’s artistic achievements, blending raw emotion with the technical prowess that defined the band’s sound.
Ultimately, “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” is more than just a power ballad from the 80s. It’s a song that transcends its genre, capturing the universal feeling of regret and the painful realization that often accompanies it. Whether you’re a fan of glam metal or not, the emotional depth and sincerity of this track make it a standout in the pantheon of rock music.
