Jobriath was born Bruce Wayne Campbell and was signed with Elektra Records … Read Full Bio ↴Jobriath was born Bruce Wayne Campbell and was signed with Elektra Records which, according to legend, had high hopes of turning him into 'the great American glam singer.' His debut album Jobriath (released in 1973) was hyped heavily, including the purchase of an immense billboard in New York's Times Square to advertise it. While the album was well-received by some critics who cited a distinct show tunes and/or vaudeville influence, despite the album intentionally being produced to sound like David Bowie, the American public was reluctant to give such a hyped-up recording artist even half a chance...especially as he was the first openly gay mainstream rock musician. (While queer musicians of any variety definitely existed before 1973, such as Noel Coward, it is contextually important to note that Jobriath was always very public about being gay, whereas Coward et al. proceeded as though no one knew about them besides their lovers. Even Freddie Mercury posed as merely bi-curious for most of his career.)

Jobriath's second album Creatures of the Street was released in 1974, and consisted of the remaining session recordings that weren't used for the first album. Jobriath's career was regarded as Elektra's (and the entire recording industry's) biggest faux pas and most expensive advertising failure. He was quickly dropped by Elektra. Although he briefly toured with his band after that, even he soon distanced himself from the Jobriath image and performed a cabaret act under the name Cole Berlin.

Pre-Jobriath, Campbell played the presumed-gay character Woof in the Broadway musical HAIR, and was a member of the folk-rock band Pidgeon (one album for Decca, 1969).

In 1983, on August 3rd, he died at his apartment in New York's Chelsea Hotel from AIDS-related complications. His death pre-dated Klaus Nomi's by three days, making him the first known recording artist whose death was AIDS-related.

The posthumous retrospective Lonely Planet Boy was released in 2004.

Be Still
Jobriath Lyrics

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Do you have to show up on every corner
Won't the dancin' begin without you
Do you have to put on your eyes for me
Be still I love you
Now be still

We walked through space in the twilight hours
But did you really see the starset

In your restless eyes I found the city lights
Be still I love you
Now be still

Be still I love you
Be still I love you
Be still I love you
I still love you now be still

I know the child that I am has hurt you
And I was a woman when I made you cry
But a little boy wants to dry your tears
Be still I love you
Come on now

Be still I love you
Be still I love you
Be still I love you
I still love you now be still

I still love you
Come on now be still

Overall Meaning

In Jobriath's song "Be Still", the artist addresses someone who seems to be constantly seeking attention and validation from others. The opening lines ask whether this person feels a need to be present and noticed in every place they go, suggesting that they may feel like they need to prove their worth through constant performance or presence. However, the chorus repeatedly urges this person to "be still" and reminds them that they are loved and valued simply for who they are, not for what they can do or how they present themselves.

The second verse adds a layer of complexity to this message, suggesting that perhaps the person in question is struggling to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around them because they are too focused on their own need for attention. The lines "But did you really see the starset / In your restless eyes I found the city lights" imply that this person may not be able to truly appreciate the natural world because their mind is always preoccupied with the chaotic and ever-changing stimulation of the city.

The bridge of the song is especially poignant, as Jobriath addresses the person directly and acknowledges the pain he has caused them in the past. However, he also asserts his desire to take care of this person and to make sure that they feel loved and supported. The lines "But a little boy wants to dry your tears / Be still I love you" suggest that beneath all the performative posturing and stress, there is still a vulnerable and compassionate person who just wants to make things right with the people they care about.

Line by Line Meaning

Do you have to show up on every corner
Do you feel the need to always be seen and heard, even in places that don't require your presence?

Won't the dancin' begin without you
Is it possible for things to happen and for people to enjoy themselves without you being the center of attention?

Do you have to put on your eyes for me
Do you have to wear a facade or a false persona just to please me or others around you?

Be still I love you
Please calm down and be at peace with the fact that I love you no matter what.

Now be still
Stop being anxious and just rest in my love for you.

We walked through space in the twilight hours
We've been through a lot together, some of which was tumultuous, but we've made it through the hard times.

But did you really see the starset
Did you truly appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of the moments we shared, or were you too preoccupied?

In your restless eyes I found the city lights
Your anxiety and worry overshadowed the joy and beauty around us, almost like the city lights obscuring the beauty of the stars.

I know the child that I am has hurt you
I understand that my youthful mistakes and naivete may have hurt you in the past.

And I was a woman when I made you cry
Despite the fact that I was young when I hurt you, I recognize that I have grown and matured since then, and can take responsibility for causing you pain.

But a little boy wants to dry your tears
Despite my growth and maturity, there is still a part of me that wants to comfort you like a child would.

Come on now
Let me show you my love and care for you in the way that only I can.

I still love you
Even after all we've been through, my love for you is still strong and unwavering.

Now be still
No need to worry or be anxious, just know that I love you and am here for you.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: YOLANDA YVETTE ADAMS, DONALD RAY ATKINS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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