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
Don't Go
Judie Tzuke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If all the signs were there to see, why do I need more?
I believed I'd always know when the time came for goodbyes
Where are all those good intentions lost in the lies?
Don't go
Don't go
Whatever my heart knows, it doesn't show
If there's no love left for us, there should be no pain
Am I so wrapped up in romance I lose out again?
I believed I'd always know the day that you would go
Where are all those precious moments?
I don't know
Oh, don't go
Don't go
Whatever my heart knows it doesn't show
So don't go
Don't go
Don't go
Whatever my heart knows it won't show
So don't go
How could I let it come to this?
I watched you slip away
I never noticed what we missed
How could I when you didn't say?
I don't know
But I know that I can't let you go
Oh, don't go
Don't go
Whatever my heart knows it won't show
So don't go
Don't go
Don't go
Whatever my heart knows it doesn't show
So don't go
Oh, don't go
Don't go
Whatever my heart knows it won't show
So don't go
Don't go
Don't go
In Judie Tzuke's song "Don't Go," the singer expresses their uncertainty about the end of a relationship. They question their ability to know when it's time to say goodbye and wonder if there is still love left between them. The singer reminisces on the precious moments they shared and acknowledges that they may have missed the signs of the relationship slipping away. Despite their doubts and hesitation, they plead with their partner not to go.
The lyrics of this song convey a sense of vulnerability and confusion in the face of a potential breakup. The singer's uncertainty is reflected in the repetition of the refrain "don't go," which underscores their desperation to hold onto their relationship. The line "Whatever my heart knows, it doesn't show" also adds to this sense of inner turmoil, suggesting that the singer may be masking their true feelings from themselves or their partner.
Overall, "Don't Go" is a poignant exploration of the complex emotions that come with the end of a relationship. By expressing their anxieties and doubts, the singer reminds us that love is never a simple or easy experience.
Line by Line Meaning
If this is the end for us, why am I not sure?
Despite the signs indicating the end of our relationship, I am uncertain about it.
If all the signs were there to see, why do I need more?
Even though there were clear indications of the end, I am still looking for more confirmation.
I believed I'd always know when the time came for goodbyes
I thought I would recognize when it was time to say goodbye.
Where are all those good intentions lost in the lies?
My good intentions seem to have gotten lost in the lies that were told.
Don't go
I don't want you to leave.
Whatever my heart knows, it doesn't show
My heart knows what I really feel, but I am not able to express it.
So don't go
Please don't leave me.
If there's no love left for us, there should be no pain
If our love is gone, there shouldn't be any pain or suffering.
Am I so wrapped up in romance I lose out again?
Is my focus on the romantic aspects causing me to lose out once more?
I believed I'd always know the day that you would go
I thought I would be aware of when you would leave me.
Where are all those precious moments? I don't know
I don't know where all the special moments we shared went.
How could I let it come to this?
I can't believe I let our relationship get to this point.
I watched you slip away
I stood by and witnessed as you slowly drifted away from me.
I never noticed what we missed
I didn't realize what we were missing until it was gone.
How could I when you didn't say?
How could I have known when you didn't communicate with me?
But I know that I can't let you go
Despite everything, I am not willing to let you go.
Whatever my heart knows it won't show
My heart knows how I really feel, but I am not able to express it.
Contributed by Alice B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@williamkirkland7002
Judie Tzuke, your voice sounds magnificent ! On 08/08/2023...I enjoy listening to your clear crisp voice and fabulous jazz band. I don't know how I found you but I love you from TAMPA BAY FLORIDA USA 🤗❤🇺🇸
@manonamountain
Right up there,as one of the greatest female singers of all time.Fabulous voice.
@user-qh3dt5yb7n
Beautiful song lovely singing voice xx
@curlaz63
I've been into Judie's music for so many years - since the first album - and these atmospheric songs are always her best. The rockers are OK, but songs like these are where she really shines.
@diamonddavemc
Totally agree. I tend to skip the rockers, which is surprising because rock was my thing for decades.
@nathanmiller2982
Lovely voice beautiful song❤
@diamonddavemc
One of Judy's best albums.
@waynepanter5693
Always loved Turning stones, beautiful album & all that goes with it.
@Hotte1071
Not from this world and yet evoking memories of something so good.
@christinehunter9926
Have been a fan of judys since I was a teenager. Love her dearly xx