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.
The Christmas Song
Chris Isaak Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Will help to make the season bright
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
They know that Santa's on his way
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see reindeer really know how to fly
So, I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said many times, many ways
Merry Christmas to you
And every mother's child is gonna spy
To see reindeer really know how to fly
And so, I'm offering this simple phrase
To kids from one to ninety-two
Although it's been said, many times, many ways
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas to you
Chris Isaak's song The Christmas Song is a classic Christmas tune with lyrics that capture the essence of the holiday season. The song portrays a warm and cozy holiday scene with chestnuts roasting on an open fire, snowflakes falling, and carolers singing in the background. The opening verse sets the scene perfectly, with chestnuts roasting and Jack Frost nipping at our nose. This is a vivid picture of the cold winter weather that comes with the holiday season.
The second verse focuses on the things that people commonly associate with Christmas, such as turkey, mistletoe, and the excitement of children on Christmas Eve. The lyrics paint a picture of the anticipation and excitement that surrounds the holiday season, with children eagerly waiting for Santa Claus to arrive and deliver their presents. The final verse is a simple message of goodwill, wishing everyone a merry Christmas, and acknowledging that it's a sentiment that has been expressed many times before.
Overall, The Christmas Song is a timeless classic that captures the spirit of Christmas and reminds us of the joy, warmth, and togetherness that the holiday season brings.
Line by Line Meaning
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Sitting by the fire with chestnuts roasting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
The cold winter weather can be harsh and uncomfortable.
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
Hearing traditional carols sung beautifully by a choir adds to the joy and festive spirit of the season.
And folks dressed up like Eskimos
Bundling up in warm clothes like Eskimos is necessary to stay comfortable in the cold weather.
Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe
Certain iconic items like a turkey and mistletoe are popular during this time of year and bring people together.
Will help to make the season bright
These festive items create an atmosphere of joy and excitement.
Tiny tots with their eyes all aglow
Excitement and wonder fill children's eyes during the holiday season.
Will find it hard to sleep tonight
The anticipation of Christmas morning makes it difficult for children to sleep on Christmas Eve.
They know that Santa's on his way
Children believe in the magic of Santa Claus and can't wait for him to arrive with presents.
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh
Santa Claus has been busy getting toys and treats ready for children all around the world.
And every mother's child is gonna spy
Children can't resist the excitement of Christmas morning and sneak to peek at their presents.
To see reindeer really know how to fly
Children imagine the magic of Santa's sleigh and his flying reindeer.
So, I'm offering this simple phrase
The singer shares a simple message of goodwill for the holiday season.
To kids from one to ninety-two
This message is for everyone, no matter their age.
Although it's been said many times, many ways
This message of Merry Christmas has been repeated in many different forms over time.
Merry Christmas to you
The singer wishes the listener a joyous and happy holiday season.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Mel Torme, Robert Wells
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind