Eliza Gilkyson (born in Los Angeles, California, in 1950) is an American fo… Read Full Bio ↴Eliza Gilkyson (born in Los Angeles, California, in 1950) is an American folk musician based in Austin, Texas. She has been recording and performing her unique blend of folk, country, and other genres since the late 1970s. She is the daughter of the late Terry Gilkyson, an accomplished songwriter noted for music he composed for Disney. She is the sister of Tony Gilkyson, who played with the Los Angeles-based bands Lone Justice and X. She has collaborated with both during the course of her career.

She received much critical acclaim for her 2005 release, Paradise Hotel, which contains songs that strike a chord with listeners in light of recent events. "Requiem" honors Hurricane Katrina and tsunami victims with hopeful pleas to the Virgin Mary, while "Man of God" is a bitter, unapologetic denouncement of President George W. Bush and his administration.

"The actions of this regime do not follow the teachings of Christ, what I call real Christianity," Gilkyson said in August 2005. "I just don't appreciate the religious right acting like I don't love God and my country just because I'm not in their corner. I'm mad and I want other people to be mad about this too."

In 2008, her album Beautiful World came out, again on Red House Records. The songs vary from pop to folk and points in-between, with songs ranging from intimate ballads to rallying cries against the imperialist machine. She recently collaborated on a new album entitled Red Horse with two of her Red House Records label-mates John Gorka and Lucy Kaplansky.

In 2011, she came out with Roses at the End of Time. Recorded at her home with the help of her son and co-producer Cisco Ryder, Gilkyson took a longer time in the studio and came out with a more eclectic and personal album. She continues to tour about 150 dates per year in the United States and overseas.
www.elizagilkyson.com

Unless You Want Me
Eliza Gilkyson Lyrics

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Don't turn the light out
Don't let the night in
Unless you want me now
Don't take your clothes off
Or bear your soft skin
Unless you want me now

Don't turn your gaze on me

Unless you want the whole of my caress
To touch your soul
To come to rest in the moonlight
Don't close your eyes and
Breathe with the soft wind
Unless you want me now
Unless you want me

My body aches when you draw near
Your fragrance whispers in my ear
I can't hold back my feelings here
In the moonlight
Don't touch my body
Don't even smile at me
Unless you really want me now
Unless you want me now

Don't turn the light out

Don't let the night in
Unless you want me

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Eliza Gilkyson's song "Unless You Want Me" describe the emotional and physical desire the singer feels for another person, while also acknowledging the importance of consent and clear communication in any romantic encounter. The song is essentially a plea to the object of the singer's affections to only show interest and intimacy if they truly want it, and not to lead the singer on or offer false hopes.

The opening lines of the song, "Don't turn the light out, don't let the night in, unless you want me now," suggest that the singer is hesitant to engage in anything more than friendship with the other person without clear signals of interest. The use of the word "unless" throughout the song emphasizes the importance of the other person's willingness and agency, highlighting the idea that intimate relationships should always be based on mutual desire and respect.

The lines, "Don't touch my body, don't even smile at me, unless you really want me now," reinforce the idea that even small gestures or expressions can send mixed signals and potentially lead to confusion or hurt. Overall, the song portrays a sense of vulnerability and longing, while also highlighting the importance of communication and consent in any romantic or sexual encounter.

Line by Line Meaning

Don't turn the light out
Don't end this moment just yet

Don't let the night in
Don't invite darkness that can ruin everything

Unless you want me now
Unless you're sure you're ready for me

Don't take your clothes off
Don't expose yourself to me unless you're completely into it

Or bear your soft skin
Don't let me feel your tenderness unless you're serious

Unless you want me now
Unless you're sure you're into me

Don't turn your gaze on me
Don't look my way unless you're ready for my affection

Unless you want the whole of my caress
Unless you're willing to accept all of my love and care

To touch your soul
To connect with your deepest emotions

To come to rest in the moonlight
To find comfort and serenity in this moment

Don't close your eyes and
Don't pretend to feel something you don't