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.
Courthouse
Chris Isaak Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Then you go, oh
And all the good and bad you've done
He will know, he will know
People take their places, down at the Courthouse
People stand in line to see you fall
Everybody says they're in your corner
And I don't care what people say
I will always feel this way
I don't care how long it takes
You're not to blame, you're not to blame
Time has come to say how much I love you
Time has come to say how much I care
And I don't care what people say
I will always feel this way
You're not to blame, you're not to blame
The song Courthouse by Chris Isaak draws a vivid picture of individuals standing at the courthouse waiting for their turn, as they face judgment for the good and bad they have done. The opening lines are quite poignant, with "You see his gentle smiling face, then you go, oh" being a possible reference to the judge's expression turning cold upon hearing the verdict. The lyrics then describe the crowd at the courthouse, with individuals standing in line to witness someone's downfall. The line "Everybody says they're in your corner, be surprised to find one friend at all" captures the essence of how quickly people switch sides during adversity.
The chorus of the song conveys the artist's strong resolve to stand by his loved ones, irrespective of public perception or judgment. The lines "I don't care what people say, I will always feel this way" reinforces his unwavering loyalty towards them. Isaak sings, "Time has come to say how much I love you, time has come to say how much I care," on the need to express oneself before it's too late. The repetition of the lines "You're not to blame, you're not to blame" acts as a reassuring reminder that they are not alone in their struggles.
Overall, Chris Isaak's Courthouse is a powerful ode to the strength of relationships and how it can withstand the toughest of times. The artist uses vivid imagery to convey the harsh reality of being judged and how it can impact people's lives.
Line by Line Meaning
You see his gentle smiling face
You catch a glimpse of the judge, who appears to be friendly.
Then you go, oh
However, you quickly realize the severity of the situation.
And all the good and bad you've done
The judge is aware of all your past actions and their implications.
He will know, he will know
The judge will be able to make an informed decision about your fate.
People take their places, down at the Courthouse
Individuals queue up at the courthouse before their case is called.
People stand in line to see you fall
Spectators anticipate your downfall and are eager to see you fail.
Everybody says they're in your corner
Everyone claims to be supportive of you during this difficult time.
Be surprised to find one friend at all
You may be shocked to discover that very few people actually have your back.
And I don't care what people say
Despite others' opinions, the artist's feelings will not change.
I will always feel this way
The artist's emotions are consistent and unwavering.
I don't care how long it takes
The amount of time it takes to clear your name doesn't faze the singer.
You're not to blame, you're not to blame
The artist believes you are not responsible for the situation you are in.
Time has come to say how much I love you
It is of utmost importance for the singer to verbalize their adoration for you.
Time has come to say how much I care
Emphasizing how much they care, the singer is urging you to feel supported.
And I don't care what people say
Once again, the singer disregards the chatter of others.
I will always feel this way
The artist's feelings remain consistent, regardless of others' opinions.
You're not to blame, you're not to blame
Reiterating that the artist believes you are not at fault.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS ISAAK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind