Jacqui Dankworth’s first forays onto the stage were as an actress, and a successful one at that. For many years Jacqui worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre and John Dexter's Company playing a multitude of critically acclaimed roles. Soon the plays turned into musicals and before long Jacqui was playing leading parts in the West End. But the singing bug had hit, and Jacqui left the lights of the London stage to focus on her own recording career.
The first thing Jacqui did was tour with brother Alec Dankworth's quintet, visiting Hawaii, Hong Kong and Indonesia. Jacqui then appeared as everything but the soldier in a staged performance of Stravinsky's The Soldier's Tale at the Purcell Room, London and worked with award winning jazz composer/saxophonist Tim Garland on a song cycle - ‘Songs Of Love And Liberty’, alongside singers Norma Winstone and Christine Tobin. In early 1998 Jacqui was invited to be the guest vocalist on a major world tour with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Occasionally time allowed her to venture into the studio to record - her first work being a newly commissioned jazz reworking of A. E. Housman poetry, as a guest artist with the New Perspectives Ensemble. The album was voted Record of the Year in the Times!
Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight
Jacqui Dankworth Lyrics
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Tell me lies, but hold me tight
Save your good-byes for the morning light
But don't let me be lonely tonight
Say good-bye and say hello
Sure 'nough good to see you
But it's time to go
Don't say no
I don't want to be lonely tonight
Go away then, damn you
Go on and do as you please
You ain't gonna see me getting down on my knees
I'm undecided and your heart's been divided
You've been turning my world upside down
Do me wrong, do me right
Go on and tell me lies, but hold me tight
Save your good-byes for the morning light
But don't let me be lonely tonight
The lyrics of Jacqui Dankworth's song "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" convey the mixed emotions of someone who is in a relationship that is falling apart but doesn't want to be alone. The song's opening lines show that the singer is willing to accept being mistreated just as long as they are not left alone. The lines "Do me wrong, do me right/Tell me lies, but hold me tight" suggest that the singer is willing to overlook their partner's flaws and deceit, as long as they continue to provide physical and emotional comfort.
As the song progresses, the singer reflects on the fleeting nature of their relationship, acknowledging that their partner's departure is inevitable. The lines "Say good-bye and say hello/Sure ‘nough good to see you/But it's time to go" suggest that the singer has become accustomed to their partner's comings and goings, but recognizes that this pattern cannot continue indefinitely. The lines "Don't say yes, but please/Don't say no/I don't want to be lonely tonight" reflect the singer's desperation to prolong the relationship, even if it means asking their partner to leave their own needs unfulfilled.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of inner turmoil as the singer struggles to reconcile their desire for companionship with their partner's inconstancy. The chorus, which urges their partner not to let them be lonely, reveals a deep-seated fear of being left alone, while the verse that implores their partner to go away shows a simultaneous need for independence. The song ends on a poignant note, with the singer admitting that their partner has turned their world upside down and that they are overwhelmed by conflicting emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Do me wrong, do me right
I'm willing to accept your good and bad, just don't leave me alone
Tell me lies, but hold me tight
Promise me anything, but comfort me in your embrace
Save your good-byes for the morning light
Don't leave me now, wait until the new day begins
But don't let me be lonely tonight
All I ask is for your companionship, even if it's just for one night
Say good-bye and say hello
Our relationship is complicated, but I always welcome your return
Sure 'nough good to see you
I'm happy when you're near, it feels right
But it's time to go
As much as I hate to admit it, you can't stay forever
Don't say yes, but please
I don't want to force you into anything, but I need you
Don't say no
I can't handle rejection, I need you to stay
I don't want to be lonely tonight
My heart aches for your presence, please stay with me
Go away then, damn you
I'm frustrated that you won't stay, but I can't let you know how much I need you
Go on and do as you please
I can't control your actions, but I wish you would choose to stay
You ain't gonna see me getting down on my knees
I won't beg you to stay, even though I want to
I'm undecided and your heart's been divided
I'm conflicted about our relationship, and unsure of your feelings
You've been turning my world upside down
Your presence affects me deeply, both positively and negatively
Writer(s): Graeme Clark, Marti Pellow, Tommy Cunningham, James Taylor, Neil Mitchell
Contributed by James O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.