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.
Please
Chris Isaak Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You're discussing, your philosophy
There's a long list, of what's wrong with me
And you go on talking endlessly, now
What's the problem?
What's the question?
What's the answer?
You keep talking
Where's it going?
If there's an answer I don't know it
Please
You're killing me
Please
You're killing me with all these questions
I've been trying
To get along with you
Doesn't matter
What I try to do
Once you start in
There's no stopping you now
What's the problem?
What's the question?
What's the answer?
Where's this heading?
You keep talking
Where's it going?
If there's an answer I don't know it
Please
You're killing me
Please
You're killing me with all these questions
You're explaining, very patiently
I'm a problem, what to do with me
I keep listening
But I just don't see now
What's the problem?
What's the question?
What's the answer?
Where's this heading?
You keep talking
Where's it going?
If there's an answer I don't know it
Please
You're killing me
Please
You're killing me with all these questions
Please
Please
Please
Please
Please
You're killing me
You're killing me
The lyrics of "Please" by Chris Isaak are a plea for the end of incessant questioning and criticism. The singer is being bombarded with judgement and negativity, and he can't handle it anymore. He's trying to understand the other person's perspective, "listening very quietly" and "trying to get along," but he is met with constant critiques and inquiries. He is clearly frustrated with the situation and begs for it to stop, "Please, you're killing me with all these questions."
The lyrics also touch on the idea of misunderstanding and miscommunication. The other person is trying to explain their perspective in a "patient" manner, but the singer just can't seem to grasp it. He confesses, "I keep listening but I just don't see now." It's possible that there is a fundamental difference in the way the two parties think or perceive the world, which is leading to this uncomfortable exchange.
Overall, the song is a commentary on the difficulties of communication and the toll that constant negativity can take on a person's psyche. The repetition of the word "please" in the chorus emphasizes the singer's desperation for the other person to stop, to listen, and to understand.
Line by Line Meaning
I keep listening, very quietly
The singer is listening carefully, but not responding to the person talking.
You're discussing, your philosophy
The other person is discussing their views and opinions.
There's a long list, of what's wrong with me
The other person has criticisms of the singer and their behavior.
And you go on talking endlessly, now
The other person keeps talking and doesn't seem to stop.
What's the problem?
The artist is asking what the issue is.
What's the question?
The singer wants to know what question the other person is answering.
What's the answer?
The singer is questioning if there is a solution to the problem being discussed.
Where's this heading?
The artist is asking what the outcome will be.
You keep talking
The other person is still talking despite the artist's attempts to intervene.
Where's it going?
The artist is inquiring as to the direction of the conversation.
If there's an answer I don't know it
The singer is unsure if there is a solution to the problem or question being discussed.
Please
The artist is pleading to the other person to stop talking.
You're killing me
The other person's talking is causing the singer undue stress and discomfort.
with all these questions
The other person is asking too many questions and not allowing the singer to respond or contribute.
I've been trying
The singer has been attempting to cooperate.
To get along with you
The artist wants to have a positive relationship with the other person.
Doesn't matter
Despite the artist's efforts, the other person is still critical and difficult to communicate with.
What I try to do
The singer has attempted different approaches but with no success.
Once you start in
The other person's criticism and questioning is unending.
There's no stopping you now
The other person is not allowing the conversation to end or progress in a different direction.
You're explaining, very patiently
The other person is trying to convey their thoughts in a clear and understandable manner.
I'm a problem, what to do with me
The other person is expressing their frustration with the artist and is unsure how to handle the situation.
But I just don't see now
Despite the other person's efforts to explain, the singer is still unable to understand or agree.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CHRIS ISAAK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@webrad98
Please
"Song by Chris Isaak"
I keep listening, very quietly
You're discussing, your philosophy
There's a long list, of what's wrong with me
And you go on talking endlessly, now
What's the problem?
What's the question?
What's the answer?
Where's this heading?
You keep talking
Where's it going?
If there's an answer I don't know it
Please
You're killing me
Please
You're killing me with all these questions
I've been trying
To get along with you
Doesn't matter
What I try to do
Once you start in
There's no stopping you now
What's the problem?
What's the question?
What's the answer?
Where's this heading?
You keep talking
Where's it going?
If there's an answer I don't know it
Please
You're killing me
Please
You're killing me with all these questions
@webrad98
*"Finish"*
You're explaining, very patiently
I'm a problem, what to do with me
I keep listening
But I just don't see now
What's the problem?
What's the question?
What's the answer?
Where's this heading?
You keep talking
Where's it going?
If there's an answer I don't know it
Please
You're killing me
Please
You're killing me with all these questions
Please
Please
Please
Please
Please
You're killing me
You're killing me
@bodies2magenta
This song is awesome, I have no idea how it accumulated 100 dislikes - because I sincerely believe this track is one of the best ever released by Chris Isaak.
@cherylschmacher701
It is frickin awesome ! ❤❤
@sharonpark2766
I would run away with Chris Isaak anytime anywhere. <3 <3 <3 He can sing
@315Bodhi17
Cause he sings? Good luck Sharon!
@mouwersor
Stop simping, he aint gonna choose you
@lerval4939
I love this song. Listen with head phones. There is left and right guitar and acustic softly . Lots going on in this song if you are able to hear it. Its been in my life for 20 years.
@terriesmith8219
Gosh...i just love Chris Isaak. Hottest man alive.
Sexiest voice ever.
@michaelmoraga2926
"Oh, Bai Ling"... Love the commentary to this video by Isaak
@QueenRed7
Where does one find that??
@michaelmoraga2926
@@QueenRed7 Greatest Hits CD/DVD, 2006