OPEN THE GATE
(E. Stefani, G. Stefani, T. Dumont, T. Kanal, A. Young)
from the album The Beacon Street Collection

This track, which opens up The Beacon Street Collection, is one of the most respected tracks from that album. It was often played live up until 1996, and was featured on the promo CD Live In Los Angeles December 1995 so one wonders if maybe the record company was looking to get some radio airplay for it after the release of Tragic Kingdom. A departure from the band's style at that point, Gwen says that the song was influenced by Nirvana - which isn't that odd when you think about it, provided No Doubt had played Nirvana's "Sliver" live in concert.

I see you from the distance
From beyond the fence you made
Hiding all your feelings
Behind your barricade

Oh have you been invaded
Is this the reason why you hide
I know just how you're feeling
I know - let me inside

Open the gate up
Open the gate up - hurry
Open the gate up - hurry

I want to get near you
But you just won't let me in
'Cause you're so scared of losing
Everything you've got within

Come on now you can trust me
Come on and open the door
'Cause I know just how you're feeling
I know - I've been there before

Open the gate up
Open the gate up - hurry
Open the gate up
Hurry hurry hurry hurry
And do it right now
Do it right now
Do it right now
Do it right now - hurry

Mmmm - do it right now - do it right now
Do it right now - do it right now
And do it right now - do it right now
Do it right now - do it right now
Hurry

Open the gate up
Open the gate up - hurry
Open the gate up
Hurry hurry hurry hurry
Open the gate up - open the gate up
Or I'm gonna knock the damn door down
Open the gate up - open the gate up
Or I'm gonna knock the damn door down
Open the gate up - open the gate up
Or I'm gonna knock the damn door down
Open the gate up - open the gate up
Or I'm gonna knock the damn door down
Down