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.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Chris Isaak Lyrics
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Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Let your heart be light
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
From now on, our troubles will be miles away
Here we are as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more
Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
The lyrics to Chris Isaak's version of Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas are a testament to the unifying power of the holiday season. The song begins with an invitation for everyone to celebrate and let their hearts be light. The singer promises that, "From now on, our troubles will be out of sight," encouraging listeners to forget their worries for a while and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The second verse touches on the nostalgia that often accompanies Christmas. The singer reflects on "happy golden days of yore" and the cherished company of "faithful friends who are dear to us." Even as time passes and people drift apart, the promise is made that "through the years we all will be together," if fate allows.
Line by Line Meaning
Have yourself a merry little Christmas
Wish you a pleasant Christmas
Let your heart be light
Hope you find peace and happiness within yourself
From now on, our troubles will be out of sight
Let's forget our worries for a while and enjoy the spirit of Christmas
Make the Yuletide gay
Let's celebrate and enjoy the festive season
Here we are as in olden days
Reminiscing the Christmas traditions and celebrations from the past
Happy golden days of yore
Those were happy and joyous days in the past
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Our close friends who mean a lot to us and are always there for us
Gather near to us once more
Let's come together once again and celebrate Christmas together
Through the years we all will be together
We hope to spend more Christmases together in the years to come
If the fates allow
If circumstances permit
So hang a shining star upon the highest bough
Put up a bright star on the top of the Christmas tree to signify hope and joy
And have yourself a merry little Christmas now
Hope you have a joyful and pleasant Christmas now
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Tratore
Written by: Hugh Martin, Ralph Blane
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind