After an education in the arts, music and drama, by the age of 15, Tzuke spent most of her time writing poems which she turned into songs and playing folk clubs, accompanying herself on acoustic guitar. She went to Island Records to try and get a record deal and after she'd played two songs was asked if she had any more. She replied that she had twenty, which she didn't, and they asked her to come back and record them the following week. She didn't return, but their interest made her realise that she could have a career in music.
In 1977 Tzuke went to see managing director David Croker at Elton John's label 'Rocket Records' as their motto was "a label for artists". She played them a few songs, one of which was "Stay with Me Till Dawn" and was immediately signed to the new label. Judie and collaborator Mike Paxman spent the next six months or so recording her first album Welcome to the Cruise at Air Studios in London, with producer John Punter.
The first single was released in the summer of 1978, entitled "For You" and was greeted with great critical acclaim and substantial air-play but only reached the top 40.
This was to all change with the release of the Welcome to the Cruise album and the single "Stay with Me Till Dawn". The song stayed in the UK charts for 16 weeks, and she made three live appearances on Top of the Pops. The song became a firm favourite and is still played regularly on radio in the U.K. It has appeared on dozens of compilation albums and regularly appears in lists of all time most popular songs.
With the success of her debut album, Judie and Mike put together the first Judie Tzuke band. Paul Muggleton on guitar and backing vocals and Bob Noble on keyboards, along with bass player John Edwards and drummer Jeff Rich.
Tzuke and her band then toured for the next 18 months and made her second album Sportscar at Virgin's Manor studios, in Oxfordshire.
In 1980, Tzuke and her band toured America for three months as support to Elton John. The tour was well received, but during the tour Elton John decided to change the US distribution for his Rocket label from MCA to the new Geffin label. MCA consequently decided to stop all tour support and promotion for the acts on the Rocket label, which meant that Judie was playing to huge audiences, including 450,000 people in New York's Central Park, but no-one knew who she was and her records were not available in the shops.
She recorded her third album I Am the Phoenix, followed by another lengthy UK tour which culminated in appearances headlining the Glastonbury CND Festival and some summer festivals in Europe. She then made the decision to leave Rocket and to sign with Chrysalis Records.
Judie was by this time selling out halls all over the UK and in parts of Europe. Her next album Shoot the Moon was recorded mainly at Rockfield studios in Wales and was released in 1982.
During the spring tour two sell out shows at the Hammersmith Odeon (now The Carling Apollo) were recorded and later that year the acclaimed live album Roadnoise was released.
Judie, Mike and Paul wrote new songs and went to Mayfair studios in London to record her fifth album, augmenting her stage band with a number of other musicians.
Throughout the late 80s and 90s, Judie has continued to record and tour, and has set up her own record label. In addition, she is now successfully writing songs for other artists.
www.tzuke.com
City Of Swimming Pools
Judie Tzuke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
City of swimming pools
Where you can buy anything
Then take it for your own
Well, I bought time
To find what keeps them apart
Why is it I can't see any other history?
In your heart you really ought to know
City of swimming pools
Resting in water
You say you're proud of what you've done
Well, I bought time
And I found no beauty in life
(In your heart)
Why is it I can't see any other history?
(In your heart)
Where did the dreamtime go?
In your heart you really ought to know
Well, I have brought the pictures
A line from every face
So frightened of the future
Where is that place?
In a city of swimming pools
In a city of swimming pools
In a city of swimming pools
City of swimming pools
Where you can buy anything
Then take it for your own
Well, I bought time
And I found no beauty in life
(In your heart)
Why is it I can't see any other history?
(In your heart)
Where did the dreamtime go?
In your heart you really ought to know
Why is it I can't see any other history?
(In your heart)
Where did the dreamtime go?
In your heart you really ought to know
(To know, to know, to know...)
To know
In a city of swimming pools
In a city of swimming pools
You know
In a city of swimming pools
In a city of swimming pools
You know
In a city of swimming pools
In a city of swimming pools
You know
In a city of swimming pools
In a city of swimming pools
You know
In a city of swimming pools
In a city of swimming pools
Judie Tzuke's "City of Swimming Pools" is a reflection upon the emptiness and superficiality of modern life, particularly within the context of urban living. The titular "city of swimming pools" is symbolic of the luxury and excess inherent in contemporary society, with the pools serving as a metaphor for the various indulgences and distractions that take people away from deeper, more meaningful experiences. The song is sung from the perspective of someone who has tried to find answers within this milieu, having "bought time" but ultimately finding "no beauty in life."
The recurring question of "Why is it I can't see any other history?" suggests a longing for a more substantial, enduring connection to the past and to one's own sense of identity. The reference to the "dreamtime" is a nod to indigenous Australian mythology, in which the dreamtime represents the spiritual realm that exists beyond the physical world. By juxtaposing this against the image of the swimming pools, Tzuke highlights the contrast between the profound and the superficial.
The final repeated line, "In a city of swimming pools," takes on a repetitive, almost hypnotic quality, underscoring the cyclical and unfulfilling nature of the singer's search for meaning. Ultimately, the song is a critique of the emptiness of consumer culture and a call to seek deeper connections with oneself and others.
Line by Line Meaning
City of swimming pools
The song is set in a city with many swimming pools.
Where you can buy anything
In this city, everything is for sale and can be easily acquired.
Then take it for your own
People in this city take what they want once they've purchased it.
Well, I bought time
The artist spent money or effort to buy time to uncover something.
To find what keeps them apart
The artist's goal was to figure out what causes division or separation among people in the city.
Why is it I can't see any other history?
The singer wonders why they are unable to see any other version of the city's history.
Where did the dreamtime go?
The singer is questioning where the dreams and aspirations of the people have disappeared to.
In your heart you really ought to know
The artist believes that the answers to these questions can be found within the hearts of the people in the city.
Resting in water
The swimming pools in the city serve as a place of relaxation and rest.
You say you're proud of what you've done
The artist notes that the people in the city seem to be proud of their accomplishments.
Well, I found no beauty in life
Despite their efforts, the singer was not able to find anything beautiful or worthwhile in the city.
Well, I have brought the pictures
The artist has collected pictures of the people in the city.
A line from every face
They have taken something from each person in the city.
So frightened of the future
The people in the city seem to be afraid of what's to come.
Where is that place?
The singer is unsure of where to find hope or a better future in the city.
(To know, to know, to know...)
The repetition of "to know" emphasizes the artist's desire for answers and understanding.
Contributed by Camden Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@carstenscheel5459
she has gold in her voice!
@nicoladolby2154
Memories.....one of those songs which should be played loud! Remember seeing Judie perform this in Manchester when I was 15. Such a talented lady.
@samhawkins8784
loved her music since way back in the 80s, seen her live about 5 times, she has her studio near to where I now live, keep promising my self to go and knock on the door one day, lol.very underrated, her voice is just gold.
@tonyhoward8699
Yes, agreed fabulous talent, saw Judy In Manchester couple years ago, atmospheric night, love her, get on board ,this lady is a British diamond, underrated by the masses, this ladies light is bright ,honest and true.
I have been blessed to have been In her presence.
God bless you Judy.
@nickogerrard680
i was at this gig. The Bloomsbury set played before Judie.