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
Stay Will Me Till Dawn
Judie Tzuke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't understand what's going on
I can't see through your frown, first you're up then you're down
You're keeping me from someone I want to know.
And I need you tonight
Yes I need you tonight
And I'll show you a sunset if you stay with me till dawn.
It's the same old situation
Every word so finely placed
Running around my concentration is the feeling that I've just got to break out and say
Oh I need you tonight
Yes I need you tonight
And I'll show you a sunset if you stay with me till dawn.
Is this a game you're playing?
Playing with my heart
Oh stop playing with my heart
And I'll show you a sunset if you'll stay with me till dawn.
The song "Stay with Me 'Till Dawn" by Judie Tzuke speaks about a confusing and uncertain relationship. The lyrics are addressed to a partner who is playing games and sending mixed signals. The singer cannot understand their behavior and is growing increasingly frustrated, as their partner's actions are keeping them from someone they want. Nevertheless, they declare their need for this person to stay with them until sunrise, promising to show them a beautiful sunset.
The repetition of the phrase "I need you tonight" highlights the singer's desperation and longing for clarity from their partner. The bridge serves as a declaration of the singer's desire to break out of this situation and express their feelings. The final line of the song "Stop playing with my heart, and I'll show you a sunset if you'll stay with me till dawn" is a plea for honesty, and a clear declaration of what is at stake for the singer.
In essence, the song is a plea for transparency in a relationship plagued by confusion and mixed signals. The singer is trying to establish a sense of clarity by asking their partner to be honest about their feelings and intentions, in the hope that they can move forward in their relationship with a clear head.
Line by Line Meaning
Is this a game you're playing?
Expressing confusion about the situation and questioning whether the other person is intentionally creating mixed signals.
I don't understand what's going on
Admitting a lack of comprehension about the other person's behavior or intentions.
I can't see through your frown, first you're up then you're down
Describing the other person's fluctuating moods and how it affects their communication and perception of the relationship.
You're keeping me from someone I want to know.
Accusing the other person of hindering their access to another potential romantic interest.
And I need you tonight
Expressing a desire and dependence on the other person's presence in the moment.
Yes I need you tonight
Reiterating the importance of the other person's company in the current situation.
And I'll show you a sunset if you stay with me till dawn.
Offering a romantic gesture in exchange for the other person's continued company throughout the night.
It's the same old situation
Acknowledging a recurring pattern or issue in the relationship.
Every word so finely placed
Describing how intentional and calculated the other person's communication is within the relationship.
Running around my concentration is the feeling that I've just got to break out and say
Explaining how the other person's behavior is causing distraction and a sense of urgency to speak their mind.
Playing with my heart
Accusing the other person of toying with their emotions.
Oh stop playing with my heart
Demanding that the other person stop manipulating their feelings.
And I'll show you a sunset if you'll stay with me till dawn.
Repeating the offer of a romantic gesture in exchange for the other person's continued company throughout the night.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MICHAEL VICTOR PAXMAN, JUDIE TZUKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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 .