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
Where Were You
Jonatha Brooke Lyrics
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You can hit the soft spots at the center
Dish it out and take it back
Riding on the wave of your pompous ways
But I know that sooner or later
You'll have to wring your lovely hands in dismay
You'll go back to the board room
Add the numbers up and turn the page at the end of the day
Where were you at the hint of success?
When through the window of opportunity came
The glimmer of a day in the sun
Glimmer of a day in the sun
You took the canvas of a life
Torn with the wind and the loss could still pull you along
Pocketing images one by one
Of the past, toward your future,
"A penny for your song"
Position memories carefully
You dust them off at holidays
Then you'll go back to the board room
And declare your passion for the new day
But where were you at the bleakest of moments?
Where were you at the hint of success?
When through the window of opportunity came
The glimmer of a day in the sun
Glimmer of a day in the sun
I don't think that it's me you've got in mind
Looks like the blind still bluffing the blind
Lead me on and lay me down
'Cause where were you?
Where were you at the bleakest of moments?
Where were you at the hint of success?
When through the window of opportunity came
The glimmer of a day in the sun
Glimmer of a day in the sun
The lyrics of Jonatha Brooke & The Story's song, Where Were You?, describe someone who is well-versed in manipulation and using their charm and confidence to get what they want. The singer acknowledges this person's ability but also recognizes that their behavior is not sustainable in the long run. The lyrics suggest that eventually, this person's true colors will show, and they will be forced to confront the consequences of their actions.
The lyrics also touch upon how this person navigates the ups and downs of life. They seem to hold onto past memories and selectively pick and choose which ones to remember or forget. The singer also questions this person's loyalty, asking where they were during the toughest times or when success was within reach. The repeated question, "where were you?", seems to suggest that this person is unreliable and cannot be depended on in times of need.
Overall, the lyrics of Where Were You? convey a sense of skepticism towards someone who relies on manipulation and selective memory to get through life. It also portrays a sense of disappointment in this person's lack of loyalty and reliability when faced with difficult situations.
Line by Line Meaning
You know the tricks of the trade
You are experienced and skilled in your profession
You can hit the soft spots at the center
You are able to manipulate and exploit vulnerabilities to get what you want
Dish it out and take it back
You are able to give criticism but cannot handle receiving it
Riding on the wave of your pompous ways
You are arrogant and self-important and use this to your advantage
But I know that sooner or later
Despite your success, eventually you will face consequences for your actions
You'll have to wring your lovely hands in dismay
You will be upset and worried when things begin to fall apart
You'll go back to the board room
You will retreat to a place of power and decision-making
Add the numbers up and turn the page at the end of the day
You will work through problems and move forward with your plans, even when it means making difficult decisions
Where were you at the bleakest of moments?
You were not present or supportive during the most difficult times
Where were you at the hint of success?
You were not there to contribute or share in the beginnings of success
When through the window of opportunity came
When you had the chance to pursue success
The glimmer of a day in the sun
A fleeting moment of achievement and recognition
You took the canvas of a life
You took control of your life and made it your own
Torn with the wind and the loss could still pull you along
Despite challenges and setbacks, you carried on
Pocketing images one by one
Collecting memories and experiences for later use
Of the past, toward your future
Reflecting on past experiences to move forward in life
"A penny for your song"
Asking for someone's thoughts or opinions
Position memories carefully
Being intentional about how memories are remembered
You dust them off at holidays
Taking time to reflect on memories during special occasions
Then you'll go back to the board room
Returning to a place of power and decision-making after reflection
And declare your passion for the new day
Expressing enthusiasm for the future and new opportunities
I don't think that it's me you've got in mind
You are not truly invested in me or my well-being
Looks like the blind still bluffing the blind
It appears that those in power are not truly knowledgeable or self-aware
Lead me on and lay me down
You deceive and manipulate me for your own benefit
'Cause where were you?
Questioning your absence and lack of support
Where were you at the bleakest of moments?
You were not present or supportive during the most difficult times
Where were you at the hint of success?
You were not there to contribute or share in the beginnings of success
When through the window of opportunity came
When you had the chance to pursue success
The glimmer of a day in the sun
A fleeting moment of achievement and recognition
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JONATHA BROOKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind