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
These Are The Laws
Judie Tzuke Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't want the world to see
You told me the truth, if I followed you
All the things I want would all come true
These are the laws that you've made
I don't want to change your ways
These are the laws that you've made
You listened to me when I said
By the rules you've made I've been led
But every day that goes by
Your loving touches me deep inside
These are the laws that you've made
I don't want to change your ways
These are the laws that you've made
I won't ever doubt the things that you say
You gave me your heart
These are the laws that you've made
I don't want to change your ways
These are the laws that you've made
I won't ever doubt the things that you say
The lyrics to "These Are The Laws" by Judie Tzuke tell a tale of trust and commitment between two people in a relationship. The first verse speaks about a heart given in confidence, with the desire to keep it hidden from the rest of the world. The singer is then told that by following the laws that have been set out, they will get what they want in life. The laws she refers to in the song could be the unspoken feelings, values and expectations that they have set between each other. The chorus echoes this sentiment with the statement that these laws will not be changed, and that the singer has faith in the words spoken by their lover.
The second verse suggests that the singer has followed the rules set before them and reaped the benefits of their commitment. Communication has played a significant role in the relationship, with the singer feeling heard and understood. The chorus repeats again, emphasizing the importance of trust and the commitment to maintaining that trust. In the final line, the singer expresses gratitude for the heart given to them.
Overall, the song speaks to the idea that relationships are about compromise and commitment. Rules are set between people, and those rules should be respected and upheld to maintain a healthy relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Your heart that you give to me
I appreciate the love you share with me
I don't want the world to see
I want to keep our love private and intimate
You told me the truth, if I followed you
You promised me happiness if I trust and follow you
All the things I want would all come true
You assure me that my desires will be fulfilled under your guidance
These are the laws that you've made
These are the boundaries and expectations you have set
I don't want to change your ways
I respect your choices and trust your judgement
I won't ever doubt the things that you say
I have complete faith in your words and promises
You listened to me when I said
You paid attention to my thoughts and feelings
By the rules you've made I've been led
I have followed your instructions and guidance
But every day that goes by
As time passes
Your loving touches me deep inside
Your affection and care touches my heart and soul
You gave me your heart
You entrusted me with your love
Contributed by London L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.