Early in their career, ISAN predominantly released on 7" vinyl through a variety of mini-labels, including Earworm, Bad Jazz and the trailblazing Wurlitzer Jukebox. They also dipped their toes into longer formats when they released a CD called "Beautronics" on the Tug Boat label in 1998.
ISAN found a home on the Morr Music label. Their debut for Morr, "Salamander," hit the streets in 1999, and was the third release from the fledgling Morr Music. "Salamander" is a collection of melody miniatures, expansive soundscapes tinged with warmth. “Salle d’Isan” and “Lucky Cat” followed, further demonstrating their expertise with rhythm and melody.
A collection of hard-to-find singles and compilation tracks, “Clockwork Menagerie” offers an overview of the duo’s musical obsessions, with sparse arrangements and distinct flavors.
“Meet Next Life” (2004) and, finally, “Plans Drawn in Pencil” (2006) contain more precise visions, dialing down complexity for the sake of clarity. ISAN experimented with darker tones in the latter album.
"We’ve realised that ISAN is about making difficult sounds easy to listen to," Saville has said.
ISAN Homepage
Morr Music
Iron Eyes
Isan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know that when you look at me
theres so much that you just dont see
but if you would only take the time
I know in my heart youd find
oh, a girl whos scared sometimes
who isnt always strong
I feel so all alone
I want to run to you
I want to run to you
Wont you hold me in your arms
and keep me safe from harm
I want to run to you
but if I come to you
tell me, will you stay or will you run away
Each day, each day I play the role
of someone always in control
but at night I go home and turn the key
Theres nobody there, no one cares for me
Whats the sense of trying hard
to find your dreams
without someone to share it with
Tell me what does it mean
I want to run to you
I want to run to you
Wont you hold me in your arms
and keep me safe from harm
I want to run to you
but if I come to you
tell me, will you stay or will you run away
Run away
No, I need you here
I need you here to wipe away my tears
to kiss away my fears
No, if you only knew how much
I want to run to you
And I want to run to you
Wont you hold me in your arms
keep me safe from harm
I want to run to you
but if I come to you
tell me, will you stay or will you run away
"I Want to Run to You" by Whitney Houston is a powerful ballad that talks about the need for companionship, love, and support in times of distress. The opening lines of the song indicate that the persona feels misunderstood by those around her. She longs for someone who will see beyond the facade of strength she displays and take the time to understand her fears and vulnerabilities. The lines "Can't you see the hurt in me, I feel so all alone" suggest that the persona is crying out for help and seeks comfort.
Despite putting up a front of being in control, the personality is emotionally fragile and feels neglected. The line "What's the point of trying without someone to share it with" highlights the need for emotional support as they achieved various ambitious goals in life. The persona yearns for someone to share her success, struggles, aspirations, and dreams.
The persona, at this point, turns to the potential lover and requests to be held and kept safe from the emotional harm she's experiencing. In the final lines, she seeks assurance that the person will stay with her and not run away if she turns to them for support. The persona wants to be completely vulnerable to the lover with the trust that they will not judge her for her emotional state.
Line by Line Meaning
I know that when you look at me
I understand that when you look at me, you don't know everything about me.
there's so much that you just don't see
There are many things about me that you are not aware of.
but if you would only take the time
If you would only give me a chance and try to know me better.
I know in my heart you'd find
I am confident that if you take the time, you will discover something about me that would surprise you.
oh, a girl who's scared sometimes
I am not always as strong and confident as I appear to be. Sometimes I am scared.
who isn't always strong
I am not always strong and need support from time to time.
Can't you see the hurt in me
I am hurting, and I wish you could see that.
I feel so all alone
I feel lonely and isolated.
I want to run to you
I want to seek your comfort and support.
Won't you hold me in your arms
I want you to hold me tightly and make me feel secure.
and keep me safe from harm
I want you to protect me from any harm or danger.
but if I come to you
If I open up to you and share my vulnerabilities.
tell me, will you stay or will you run away
I need to know if I can count on you to support me or if you will abandon me when things get tough.
Each day, each day I play the role
Every day, I put on a façade to hide my true emotions and feelings.
of someone always in control
I pretend to be in charge and in control of my life, but sometimes, I'm not.
but at night I go home and turn the key
When I'm alone at night, I feel vulnerable and fearful.
There's nobody there, no one cares for me
I feel like I have no one to support me when I need it the most.
What's the sense of trying hard to find your dreams
I am trying hard to achieve my dreams and goals, but it feels pointless without someone to share them with.
without someone to share it with
I need someone to share my dreams, goals, and successes with.
Run away
I fear that you might abandon me when I need you the most.
No, I need you here
I need your love and support by my side.
I need you here to wipe away my tears
I need someone to comfort me and wipe my tears when I cry.
to kiss away my fears
I want someone to reassure me and calm my fears with sweet words and actions.
no, if you only knew how much
I wish you could see just how much I need you.
Contributed by Arianna V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.