“18 and Life” by Skid Row is one of the most powerful and serious songs to come out of the late-’80s hard rock scene, standing out for its dark storytelling and emotional weight.

Background & Release

• Released in 1989 as the debut single from Skid Row’s self-titled album Skid Row
• Written by Rachel Bolan and Dave “The Snake” Sabo
• The song helped launch the band into mainstream success and established them as more than just a typical glam metal act

Story & Meaning

Unlike many rock songs of the era, “18 and Life” tells a grim, cautionary tale. It’s inspired by a real-life incident involving a teenager who accidentally killed someone with a gun and was sentenced to life in prison.

The lyrics follow a troubled youth who grows up in a harsh environment, makes a tragic mistake, and pays for it forever.
The title itself sums it up perfectly: 18 years old, sentenced to life.

Themes include:

• Youthful recklessness
• Violence and consequences
• Loss of freedom and innocence

Musical Style

• Built around a slow, heavy, minor-key riff that reinforces the song’s dark mood
• Combines hard rock power with a more somber, almost metal atmosphere
• Features one of Sebastian Bach’s most iconic vocal performances, shifting from restrained verses to an explosive, emotional chorus

Why It Stands Out

• Serious subject matter uncommon in late-’80s hard rock
• Memorable, dramatic chorus that sticks with you
• Helped separate Skid Row from the more party-centric glam metal bands of the time

Legacy

• One of Skid Row’s signature songs
• Frequently included in “best of ’80s rock” lists
• A staple of classic rock and metal radio
• Still resonates because of its timeless message about choices and consequences

If I see the actual guitar player showing you how to play a riff I like to include it in the lessons because why not. This is not Dave Sabo showing you how to play it but it's the other guitar player in the band so he would know how to play it.

The audio below is so you can try and record it yourself. It's just guitar and bass guitar so there's not a lot to go on with just the bass part. I added in a hi hat at the beginning. It's 3 quarter notes and then a silent beat and then the bass starts.

If it was me and I wanted to record this I would download both mp3s and import them both into your DAW. You should be able to sync them both up easily if you put in the correct bpm into your DAW. I would record your guitar while playing along with the audio with guitar. Then just mute the complete track from me.

If you have any questions about this just leave a comment below.