Isaak's music can be described as a blend of country, blues, rock'n'roll, pop and surf rock.
He signed a contract to Warner Brothers Records in 1984 for his first album "Silvertone". Isaak's contract was renewed in 1988 when Warner moved him to their Reprise Records label.
His best-known song is "Wicked Game". Though released on the 1989 album "Heart Shaped World", an instrumental version of the song was later featured in the David Lynch film 'Wild at Heart' (and also years later in the 2000 film The Family Man). An Atlanta radio station DJ began playing the full version and it quickly became a nation-wide top ten hit. The music video for the song was directed by Herb Ritts and was a big MTV and VH1 hit; shot in black and white, it starred Isaak and model Helena Christensen rolling on the beach, embracing and whispering in each others' ears.
In 1999, Isaak's "Baby Did A Bad, Bad Thing" was featured in Stanley Kubrick's final film 'Eyes Wide Shut', starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
In 2001, Chris Isaak starred in his own television show, 'The Chris Isaak Show'. It aired from March 2001 to March 2004 in the United States on the cable television network Showtime. This adult comedy show featured Chris Isaak and his band playing themselves with the episode plots based on fictional accounts of the backstage world of Chris Isaak - the rock star next door.
In 2004, his track "Life Will Go On" was featured on the 'Chasing Liberty' soundtrack, which starred Mandy Moore and Matthew Goode.
He hosted a talk show on the Biography cable channel in the United States in 2009 that offered a unique twist - each guest was a musical artist, and both Chris and the artist performed various songs throughout each show. Eight episodes aired in early 2009, featuring guests Trisha Yearwood, Stevie Nicks, Glen Campbell, Michael Buble, Chicago, The Smashing Pumpkins, Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens), and Jewel.
Isaak has also appeared in numerous films, mostly playing minor cameo roles, though he starred with Keanu Reeves and Bridget Fonda in the 1993 Bernardo Bertolucci-directed 'Little Buddha', and also played a major role in David Lynch's 'Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me' (1992). Other motion pictures include 'Married to the Mob' (1988), 'The Silence of the Lambs' (1991), 'That Thing You Do!' (1996), and 'A Dirty Shame' (2004). He also guest-starred on the Super Bowl Sunday (1996) edition of the television sitcom Friends and on the HBO miniseries, From the Earth to the Moon (HBO).
Chris is also an amateur boxer, avid surfer and a former Golden Gloves champion.
American Boy
Chris Isaak Lyrics
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Love you baby, with all my heart
Ten times better than those movie stars
What you see, is what you are
I'm no James Dean baby,
But you know I care
If you ever need me, I'll be there, always there
Don't you know I will always feel this way
You can count on me I'm here to stay
I'll go crazy if I stay inside
Come on baby, take a ride
Take you places that we've never been
Don't be shy, hop on in
I ain't no Hollywood baby
You can't find a friend, they all say they love you
But just pretend, mine never ends
I'm the original American boy
Can't you see, you're made for me
Tell me baby that you want me too, I'd do anything for you
I get a crazy feeling, when I look at you
Don't ask me if I want you, you know I do
Only you
I'm the original American boy, yeah I'm the original American boy
In Chris Isaak's song American Boy, the lyrics describe the singer as the "original American boy" who loves his partner with all of his heart. He claims to be ten times better than movie stars because he is genuine and what you see is what you get with him. He admits he is not as cool as James Dean, but he cares deeply for his partner and will always be there for her. The singer expresses his love for her and promises to love her more each day. He suggests they take a ride and go on an adventure, assuring her that he is not like the fake friends in Hollywood who only pretend to love her, but instead his love for her is genuine and will never end.
The song portrays a classic American love story, with the singer embodying characteristics of a loyal, down-to-earth, and loving partner who is not like the superficial Hollywood stars. He is proud of his Americanness and believes that his authenticity sets him apart.
Overall, the lyrics of American Boy depict a sincere love story supplemented by patriotic imagery, portraying the American dream of finding love and being genuine.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm the original American boy
As an American, I embody the qualities that define the nation and its character.
Love you baby, with all my heart
My affection for you runs deep and is unwavering.
Ten times better than those movie stars
Movie stars pale in comparison to me as a real, genuine person.
What you see, is what you are
You are as sincere and authentic as I am, and I value that.
I'm no James Dean baby, but you know I care
Unlike James Dean, who was known for being aloof and distant, I am attentive and affectionate towards you.
If you ever need me, I'll be there, always there
I am dependable and reliable, and I will always be there for you when you need me.
Don't you know I love you more each day
My love for you grows with each passing day, and I want you to realize this.
Don't you know I will always feel this way
My love for you is enduring and will never fade away.
You can count on me I'm here to stay
I am committed to you and our relationship, and you can count on my devotion.
I'll go crazy if I stay inside
I need to experience new things and explore the world, or else I will become restless and unhappy.
Come on baby, take a ride
I want you to join me on my adventures, and to experience them together.
Take you places that we've never been
I want to explore new locations with you, and to share those experiences.
Don't be shy, hop on in
I want you to be open and adventurous, and to embrace the opportunities that we have together.
I ain't no Hollywood baby
I am not like other people who you may encounter in Hollywood, who are often superficial and insincere.
You can't find a friend, they all say they love you
It is difficult to find true friends in Hollywood, as many people are only interested in using you for their own gain.
But just pretend, mine never ends
My love for you is real and genuine, and it will never cease or fade away.
Can't you see, you're made for me
We are perfectly matched for each other, and we are meant to be together.
Tell me baby that you want me too, I'd do anything for you
I am willing to go to great lengths to make you happy and to prove my love for you, but I need to know that you feel the same way.
I get a crazy feeling, when I look at you
My love for you is so strong that it fills me with deep emotions and feelings of joy and excitement.
Don't ask me if I want you, you know I do
My feelings towards you are evident and unquestionable, and you should not doubt my love for you.
Only you
My love and devotion are reserved for you alone, and no one else can compare.
Yeah I'm the original American boy
As a true American, I embody the best qualities of the nation and its people.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS ISAAK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind