3 Iconic Rock Classics by Aerosmith That Hold up Over Time

The Boston-born rock band Aerosmith is one of those groups that have shown incredible longevity. Formed in 1970, the group boasted hits over some four decades, from the 1970s into the 21st century. Led by singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry, the rockers carried on the legacy of bands with a knockout one-two punch along with The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin.

And throughout the course of the group’s career, they released myriad hit songs, several of which continue to be played on the airwaves, in arenas, and on home stereos all over the world today. Here below, we wanted to explore a trio of track from the collective that have stood the test of time. Indeed, these are three eternal classic rock songs from Aerosmith.

[RELATED: 3 Classic Rock Choruses from the 1970s to Sing Along to]

“Dream On” from Aerosmith (1973)

This song, said band frontman Steven Tyler, was written when the singer was just a boy. He started to understand music while sitting underneath his Juilliard-trained father’s piano, which is when he began to write the track’s chords. He wrote the lyrics by the time he was 14 years old. The song features Tyler’s versatile, ranging voice, which builds to screeching screams by the end of it. Lyrically, the offering is about taking advantage of the moment because you just don’t know when time will run out. On the ethereal track, Tyler sings,

Every time that I look in the mirror

All these lines on my face getting clearer

The past is gone

It went by like dusk to dawn

Isn’t that the way?

Everybody’s got the dues in life to pay, yeah

I know nobody knows

Where it comes and where it goes

I know it’s everybody’s sin

You’ve got to lose to know how to win

“Cryin'” from Get a Grip (1993)

In the early-to-mid-1990s, Aerosmith enjoyed much renewed interest thanks to this song and sister tracks “Amazing” and “Crazy.” All three swelling songs display skillful rock songwriting and emotional delivery. But they also featured music videos starring burgeoning actress and movie star Alicia Silverstone, whom audiences just couldn’t get enough of on the small screen thanks to many a play on outlets like MTV and VH1. As for “Cryin’,” the song is about the pains of love. You’re tripping over yourself when you meet the person and bereft when they leave. On the song, Tyler sings,

There was a time

When I was so broken-hearted

Luck wasn’t much of a friend of mine

The tables have turned, yeah

‘Cause me and them ways have parted

That kind of love was the killin’ kind

So listen

All I want is someone I can’t resist

I know all I need to know by the way that I got kissed

I was cryin’ when I met you

Now I’m tryin’ to forget you

Love is sweet misery

I was cryin’ just to get you

Now I’m dyin’ ’cause I let you

Do what you do down on me, yeah!

“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from Armageddon: The Album (1998)

Some five years after Aerosmith hit it big with Get a Grip, the band enjoyed another resurgence thanks to this power ballad for the summer blockbuster film Armageddon. Not only was Tyler’s daughter Liv one of the leads of the film, but Aerosmith wrote the film’s big song, another that was all over the radio waves and MTV when it came out. On the tune, which hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Tyler sings passionately of wanting to be around for every moment for a loved one,

I could stay awake just to hear you breathing

Watch you smile while you are sleeping

While you’re far away and dreaming

I could spend my life in this sweet surrender

I could stay lost in this moment forever

Where a moment spent with you is a moment I treasure

Don’t wanna close my eyes

I don’t wanna to fall asleep

‘Cause I’d miss you baby

And I don’t wanna miss a thing

‘Cause even when I dream of you (even when I dream)

The sweetest dream would never do

I’d still miss you baby

And I don’t wanna miss a thing

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