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.
This Time
Chris Isaak Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You said then there'd be no next time
One more chance is all I'm asking
Is it so hard to be forgiven?
If only I could make you see
How much your love could mean to me
This time
'Cause I know the world can turn against you
But this time I'm gonna be there for you
I know I said I'd change the last time
But it won't be the same this time
If only I could make you see
How much your love is changing me
If only we could start again
This time
This time
If only I could make you see
What one more chance could mean to me
If only we could start again
This time
This time
This time
This time
I know it's gotta work out this time
The song "This Time" by Chris Isaak is a heartfelt plea for forgiveness and a second chance in a relationship. The lyrics speak of a previous mistake that led to a loss of trust and a promise to make amends. The singer is begging for another chance to prove his love and dedication, acknowledging that it won't be easy but promising to be present and supportive through thick and thin.
The repetition of the phrase "this time" throughout the song emphasizes the importance of a fresh start and a commitment to doing things differently. The singer is aware of the challenges that will come their way but is determined to face them with the strength of love and loyalty. The lyrics suggest a deep desire to make things right with the person he loves, acknowledging the gravity of his mistake and asking for forgiveness with humility and earnestness.
Overall, "This Time" is a powerful ode to the healing and transformative power of love and the importance of forgiveness in any relationship. Chris Isaak's soulful vocals and the soaring melody elevate the lyrics and make for a truly memorable and timeless ballad.
Line by Line Meaning
I know I let you down the last time
I am aware that I have caused you disappointment in the past.
You said then there'd be no next time
You made it clear that I wouldn't have another opportunity to make amends.
One more chance is all I'm asking
I am humbly requesting one final opportunity to make things right.
Is it so hard to be forgiven?
I am expressing my regret and hoping for your forgiveness.
If only I could make you see
I wish I could help you understand.
How much your love could mean to me
I truly value and appreciate your love more than words can express.
This time
I am determined to make things right this time.
This time
I won't let you down this time.
'Cause I know the world can turn against you
I understand that life can be difficult and unpredictable.
But this time I'm gonna be there for you
I will be your support system and be there for you no matter what happens.
I know I said I'd change the last time
I promised to make changes in the past but failed to follow through.
But it won't be the same this time
I am confident that I will make the necessary changes now.
If only I could make you see
Once again, I wish I could help you understand.
How much your love is changing me
Your love is having a positive impact on me and helping me become a better person.
If only we could start again
I long for a fresh start and a chance to create a better relationship.
This time
I am committed to making things work this time.
This time
I won't let anything get in the way of our relationship this time.
I know it's gotta work out this time
I believe that we can overcome any obstacles and make things work for us.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Chris Isaak
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind