After The Story broke up in 1994 Brooke went solo, first as Jonatha Brooke & The Story and then simply under her own name. Her first album, Plumb (1995) was followed by 10 Cent Wings (1997) and a harder-rocking album, Steady Pull (2001). In February of 2004 she released Back in the Circus, which marked a first collaboration with songwriter Eric Bazilian (from The Hooters), and a few creative covers. Back in the Circus was released in April 2005 in the UK combining tracks from Back in the Circus and Steady Pull.
2007 saw the release of Careful What You Wish For, on which she continued the collaborations, not only with Eric Bazilian, but also JC Chasez, Nick Lachey and Sally Dworsky (to whom she dedicated "Sally" on Back in the Circus). Her 2008 effort, The Works was a sort of collaborative effort with Woody Guthrie, returning to her folk roots by imbuing Guthrie's words with her own musical style, resulting in a whole that is infinitely greater than the sum of its parts.
She's also contributed to soundtracks (e.g. I'll Try and other tracks on Peter Pan: Return to Neverland), and released Emmanuel (a track that she and Kevin Gilbert were working on when he died), and has her own record label Bad Dog (presumably a reference to Dog Dreams).
Visit her website for current tour information.
www.jonathabrooke.com
Shame On Us
Jonatha Brooke Lyrics
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Take you far away from here
Fail to notice, fail to speak, fail to toe the line,
Fail to keep the coast clear
You'll kick the tiny silver shoes and linger in the hall
The light's out in the living room
You'll make some coffee then you'll go, drive blindly toward the moon
I guess we didn't fool anyone, for any part of the time
Shame on us, shame on love
Shame on us, shame on love
Sometimes resignation finds me, sometimes it's just fear poisoning the Sound of your name
There's nothing left here to amuse me no one left to blame
All the players folded from the game
I guess we didn't fool anyone, for any part of the time
Shame on us, shame on love
Shame on us, shame on love
Shame on us, shame on love
Shame on us, shame on love
(I'll be tender, I'll be true, still in love with you)
The song "Shame on Us" by Jonatha Brooke tells a story of a relationship that has been failing due to little failures that take each partner farther and farther away from each other. The first verse describes these little failures as failing to notice, failing to speak, failing to toe the line, and failing to keep the coast clear. These little failures may seem insignificant at first, but they eventually add up and take the partners far away from each other.
The second verse depicts one partner remaining behind while the other partner leaves with little notice. The partner left behind lingers in the hall and kicks the tiny silver shoes as a sign of frustration. The partner that leaves goes blindly toward the moon while all the monuments are in bloom. These lines describe how one partner is feeling lost and searching for something more while the other is staying behind and feeling left behind.
The chorus "Shame on Us, Shame on Love" reflects the feeling of regret and failure that both partners experience. The bridge "Sometimes resignation finds me, sometimes it's just fear poisoning the sound of your name" indicates that sometimes it is easier to just give up and let go, but sometimes fear can keep us from doing what we need to do. The song ends on a hopeful note with the line "I'll be tender, I'll be true, still in love with you" reflecting a desire to keep trying and hold on to love despite the struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
It's the little failures every day that take you far away
Small mistakes made over time can distance you from where you want to be.
Fail to notice, fail to speak, fail to toe the line,
Failing to pay attention, speak up, or follow rules can lead to problems.
Fail to keep the coast clear
Not keeping a situation safe and secure can have consequences.
You'll kick the tiny silver shoes and linger in the hall
You'll be indecisive and hesitant.
The light's out in the living room
Things feel dark and bleak.
You'll make some coffee then you'll go, drive blindly toward the moon
You'll try to distract yourself and escape reality.
All the monuments in bloom
Things that once were beautiful and strong are now thriving.
I guess we didn't fool anyone, for any part of the time
We failed to deceive anyone at any time.
Shame on us, shame on love
We should be ashamed of ourselves and the love we had.
Sometimes resignation finds me, sometimes it's just fear poisoning the Sound of your name
Occasionally I give up, but other times I'm afraid and the thought of you is toxic.
There's nothing left here to amuse me no one left to blame
There's nothing entertaining or anyone to hold accountable.
All the players folded from the game
Everyone gave up or quit trying.
Shame on us, shame on love
We should be ashamed of ourselves and the love we had.
(I'll be tender, I'll be true, still in love with you)
Despite everything, I still have feelings for you and will continue to be loyal.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JONATHA BROOKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind