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
FIGHT
Judie Tzuke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I keep standing up, you just don't know
How hard the hand that holds me down
It comes from you, it's what you do
I’ll never understand the way
I want to have you with me
When I reach the goal
How much harder can I try?
It's not all about me,
It's you and I
Why can't you learn to let me fly
When it's always you I come back to
And I can't seem to find the words
To tell you not to feel
You have to keep me here
'Cause I'm not going anywhere
One step nearer, one mile further,
Love ever after is what I'm hoping for
Do you need me? Still believe in me?
We’re fire and water, but I don't want to fight this fight alone
Fight alone
Best foot forward, here I go
I keep standing up, you just don't know
How hard the hand that holds me down
It comes from you, it's what you do
And I can't seem to find the words
To tell you not to feel
You have to keep me here
'Cause I'm not going anywhere
One step nearer, one mile further,
Love ever after is what I'm hoping for
Do you need me? Still believe in me?
We’re fire and water, but I don't want to fight this fight alone
The lyrics of Judie Tzuke's song Fight are a reflection of a complicated relationship. The singer expresses their determination to move forward despite feeling held back by their partner. The phrase "Best foot forward, here I go" is an indication of the singer's readiness to take action, to keep trying, despite the obstacles they face.
The lyrics reveal a sense of frustration and resentment towards the partner. The line "I keep standing up, you just don't know" is an expression of the singer's self-reliance and strength, but also suggests that their partner is unaware of the effort it takes to maintain this resilience.
The message of the song is that despite the difficulties and the push and pull of the relationship, the singer still wants to be with their partner. They express a desire for a "perfect life," but recognize that it may not be attainable. The chorus emphasizes the singer's need for their partner's support, while also acknowledging the tension that exists between them.
Overall, the lyrics reflect the complexity of relationships and the many conflicting emotions that arise within them. The song is a testament to the singer's resilience and determination to keep moving forward, even when faced with difficulties.
Line by Line Meaning
Best foot forward, here I go
I'm starting a new journey and giving it my all
I keep standing up, you just don't know
How hard the hand that holds me down
It comes from you, it's what you do
Even though you hold me back, I keep pushing forward and striving for success despite the obstacles
I’ll never understand the way
I want to have you with me
When I reach the goal
The perfect life that I've been sold
I want you to support me in my pursuit of the perfect life that I've been promised, even though I may never fully comprehend your actions
How much harder can I try?
It's not all about me,
It's you and I
Why can't you learn to let me fly
When it's always you I come back to
I'm trying my best, but our relationship requires effort from both of us. Why can't you trust me to make my own decisions and still be there for me when I return to you?
And I can't seem to find the words
To tell you not to feel
You have to keep me here
'Cause I'm not going anywhere
I can't express enough how much I need you to support my aspirations even though it may be difficult for you. I promise to stay by your side through it all
One step nearer, one mile further,
Love ever after is what I'm hoping for
Do you need me? Still believe in me?
We’re fire and water, but I don't want to fight this fight alone
I'm hoping that we can continue to grow together and build a lasting love. Do you still need me and believe in me? We may be different, but I don't want to face this challenge alone
Contributed by Charlie G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Andi Hoy
Ive listerned to this song a few hundred times in my lifetime, holds so many memories and feelings, but hearing this at now 56 years old in a concert performance with all its originality yet with its imperfections from a studio take makes it even more perfect.
Judies rawness but touching and sensual voice just completes a perfect performance. Truly a work of art for us all to enjoy.
Julia Barrow
I’m 56 too 😊
I still remember it being at no.1 on Countdown for weeks. Still gives me goosebumps..
jon sebastian
@Julia Barrow Trust me Julia, big boys do cry and the live version is crippling, guess I must be human. Stay safe
Gloria Smith
Ive heard this song many times shes better live than the filmclip really enjoyed her performance
Jaxx Gray
😂 xx
Tom Thumb
My age also brother. We each have history that brings us to wonderful soulful music such as this.
Gareth Murtagh
Her voice is incredible! She can generate so much power yet a few bars later be so subtle. What a star!
Donna Corbin
Always loved this tune and love this live version her voice is so clear and perfect ❤ to me this tune will never get old xxx
JuzTroublez
The reverb is amazing on her already incredible voice.
roger slater
In many ways an underrated song that stays with you forever . It will always be one of my favourites .