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
Dancing On Charcoal
Judie Tzuke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Like I'm wearing the red shoes, you know how it goes
I wish I had faith, I wish I had some rest,
'Cause Christmas is coming and I'm still depressed
My babies I love them but they're bleeding me dry,
My mother's without me, she's learnt how to fly
I wish I had space, I'd turn myself around,
Sing joy and peace, lots of love to behold
And they say Jesus saves
But that's not what I've found,
When I'm flat on the ground.
I'm dancing on charcoal
(When the tight is on I will find you)
Like I'm wearing the red shoes
(I will draw a Line that leads from me to you)
I'm walking on eggshells,
(If the door is shut I will break through)
'Cause I still want to know you
In Judie Tzuke's song "Dancing on Charcoal," the singer is grappling with a range of difficult emotions and circumstances. The lyrics "I'm dancing on charcoal and burning my toes" suggest a feeling of pain and discomfort, as if the singer is trying hard to maintain balance or make progress despite the obstacles in their path. This metaphor is extended in the subsequent line, "Like I'm wearing the red shoes, you know how it goes," which references the fairy tale "The Red Shoes," in which a young girl's magical red shoes cause her to dance endlessly and uncontrollably until she dies of exhaustion. This suggests a sense of being caught up in something larger than oneself, something that is both desirable and dangerous.
The singer goes on to express a wish for faith and rest, which are both conspicuously absent from their life as the holidays approach. The singer's obligations to their family and the feeling of being "bled dry" by their demands add to the burden of depression and anxiety that the singer is already struggling with. Even the idea of space and a chance to turn oneself around seems out of reach. Despite this, the singer asks for help, calling for someone to "catch me, keep holding me down." The final lines, which juxtapose the messages of joy, peace, and love associated with Christmas with the singer's own feelings of being "flat on the ground," suggest a profound disconnect between the outward trappings of the season and the singer's inner world.
Overall, the song portrays the experience of trying to stay afloat in difficult circumstances, while at the same time grappling with a sense of futility and hopelessness. The singer is caught between conflicting desires and expectations, searching for help and support while also feeling burdened by the weight of their own emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm dancing on charcoal and burning my toes,
I am taking big risks that might prove harmful to me, as if I am walking on charcoal and getting burnt, but still continuing to dance.
Like I'm wearing the red shoes, you know how it goes
Just like the character in the fairytale of the red shoes who was compelled to dance until her death, I feel like I am also trapped in an uncontrollable situation that I cannot escape from.
I wish I had faith, I wish I had some rest,
I desire to have faith and the ability to trust in something or someone, and also a chance to take some time off to recharge my energy and find peace of mind.
'Cause Christmas is coming and I'm still depressed
Even though Christmas is a time for celebration and happiness, I am still feeling down and unhappy because of the difficulties I am facing.
My babies I love them but they're bleeding me dry,
Although I love my children, they are a source of financial and emotional strain on me, which is taking a toll on my well-being.
My mother's without me, she's learnt how to fly
My mother is now independent and able to take care of herself without my presence, which is both a relief and a source of sadness for me.
I wish I had space, I'd turn myself around,
I crave some time and space for myself to reflect, recharge, and be able to move forward in a positive direction.
I need you to catch me, keep holding me down
I am in need of someone who can provide me with emotional support, who can help me stay grounded and not lose my sense of reality and self.
Sing joy and peace, lots of love to behold
I want to experience a sense of happiness and calmness in my life, surrounded by those I love with plenty of affection to share.
And they say Jesus saves
Many people believe that faith in Jesus can provide salvation and redemption for people's souls.
But that's not what I've found,
However, that is not what I have personally experienced or been able to rely on in my own life thus far.
When I'm flat on the ground.
When I am at my lowest point and in dire need of help, it has not been a divine power but rather human kindness that has lifted me up.
I'm walking on eggshells,
I feel like I am constantly tiptoeing around, trying not to upset anyone or cause further controversy or pain.
(If the door is shut I will break through)
If there is a barrier or obstacle preventing me from reaching someone or something I desire, I will persist and overcome it through determination and vigor.
'Cause I still want to know you
Despite everything, I still remain hopeful and eager to connect with others and forge meaningful relationships in my life.
Contributed by Camilla C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.