As a songwriter, Bonoff's songs have been interpreted by other artists such as "Home" by Bonnie Raitt, "Tell Me Why" by Wynonna Judd, "Isn't Always Love" by Lynn Anderson. Also Linda Ronstadt has successfully recorded a number of her songs, including, "Someone To Lay Down Beside Me," "Trouble Again," "All My Life," "Falling Star" and "Goodbye My Friend," thus helping to introduce Bonoff to a larger audience.
In her early career, Bonoff sang background vocals for Linda Ronstadt and Wendy Waldman before releasing her debut album in 1977, titled Karla Bonoff (1977). Her other albums include Restless Nights (1979), Wild Heart of the Young (1982), New World (1988), and All My Life (a greatest hits collection) in 1999. Bonoff is best known as a songwriter, but she is also noted for her hit recording of "Personally", which reached number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the summer of 1982. She also recorded "Standing Right Next To Me" on the "8 Seconds" movie soundtrack (1994) and "Somebody's Eyes" on the "Footloose" soundtrack (1984).
Karla's first live album was released in September 2007. This double CD includes many of her hits performed live in concert on October 24, 2004 (except for one song recorded July 30, 2005). She is backed by her touring band including Kenny Edwards (guitar, bass, mandolin, cello, vocals) and Nina Gerber (guitar) plus long time associate Scott Babcock (drums and vocals).
She is also a member of the currently inactive group Bryndle, which includes Wendy Waldman and Kenny Edwards. The band has also included Andrew Gold who left the band in 1996. The group had released three albums between 1995 and 2002.
Her songs recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd, James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, she herself hit 19 on the top 100 singing "Personally" written by P. Kelly. A writer from the heart, collaborated with Pete Seger and Frank Hamilton on "The Water is Wide." Although she released just four studio albums in her first 30 years as a recording artist, in 2007 she issued a well-received live album.
Tell Me Why
Karla Bonoff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But it's always raining here inside
I can see
You really had a hold on me
It's a mean old love
With a flame that never dies
Won't you tell me why
Everywhere I go you're in my shadow
When I turn around there's no one there
And it's a real bad sign
I'm walking on a real thin line
A fool in love with a fool that never cared
Won't you tell me why
I can't say goodbye
Won't you tell me why
Ask anyone you know
And they'll say love fades away
But this hearts' cryin' just like yesterday
And it's a real bad sign
I'm walking on a real thin line
A fool in love with a fool that never cared
So won't you tell me why
I can't say goodbye
Won't you tell me why
I can't say goodbye
In Karla Bonoff's song "Tell Me Why," the singer expresses the pain and confusion of being unable to let go of a toxic love. The metaphor of sunshine outside and rain inside suggests that life may appear to be going well, but inside she is suffering. The line "You really had a hold on me" explains the powerful grip this love had on her, making her unable to move on. The love is described as "mean" because it has caused her so much pain, but still, it burns strong like a "flame that never dies".
The singer is haunted by memories of her lover and feels their presence wherever she goes, but when she turns around, they are not there. Her love for this person is compared to walking a "real thin line", which suggests that it is a dangerous situation to be in. Despite this, it appears that she is willing to continue the pursuit of the relationship, even if it means making a fool of herself.
In the chorus, the singer pleads with her lover to explain why she cannot move on from the relationship. She acknowledges that some may say that love fades away, but her heart is still crying for this person. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes her desperation for answers, but ultimately the song ends with her still unable to say goodbye.
Line by Line Meaning
Everywhere I look the sun is shining
The surroundings appear tranquil and happy.
But it's always raining here inside
Internally, there is distress and gloominess.
I can see
It is evident and clear to me.
You really had a hold on me
You controlled and had power over my emotions.
It's a mean old love
This love is hurtful and harmful.
With a flame that never dies
The intensity of this love never fades.
Won't you tell me why
Please explain the reason for this.
I can't say goodbye
I am unable to let go and move on.
Everywhere I go you're in my shadow
You loom over me and are constantly present.
When I turn around there's no one there
You are not physically there, but I still feel you.
And it's a real bad sign
This is a negative indication.
I'm walking on a real thin line
I am in a precarious situation.
A fool in love with a fool that never cared
I am foolishly in love with someone who does not reciprocate.
Ask anyone you know
Seek advice from anyone you trust.
And they'll say love fades away
The common belief is that love loses its intensity over time.
But this hearts' cryin' just like yesterday
My heart still aches as if it were yesterday.
Won't you tell me why
Please explain the reason for this.
I can't say goodbye
I am unable to let go and move on.
Won't you tell me why
Please explain the reason for this.
I can't say goodbye
I am unable to let go and move on.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEWIS A MARTINEE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Duckfan707
I love her too ❤.
I was 20 years old.I worked in a record store and I fell in love with her sound.I still get so emotional listening to her.
@only12c32
It's so cool that Ronstadt is backing her up, but also sad that Linda can't sing anymore
@stevehammond9156
Oh how I love this woman! It is hard to believe I have been listening to her since '77. Linda owes many of her greatest hits to Karla
@51362879
Karla Bonoff is a great writer, singer, and performer. It's a shame she has never really gotten the recognition she deserves. always behind the scenes.
@brianfergus839
Indeed
@samstevens7172
Seems to me, that being a successful songwriter has gotten her the attention, respect and certainly the monetary rewards she deserves.
She’s pretty, and does have a nice voice, but compare her version of “Lose Again” to Linda’s and you can see her excellent songwriting has been her major strength.
It’s not an unusual phenomena by any measure. Look up Jimmy Webb, Townes Van Zandt, Hoyt Axton, Dean Dillion…. All excellent songwriters. Just don’t have that extra it that’s completes the package. And so few do.
When Linda lost her voice, her musical career was over.
Karla can write as long as she’s inclined, whether she can perform or not.
It’s definitely suitable for the marathon that is life….
@Bitterrootbackroads
I suppose it was Karlas name on my Linda Ronstadt records that made me buy her album in 77. It’s about worn out now, and she has always had my recognition!
@only12c32
Agreed
@jezebeljones659
Her version beats Wynonna's, IMHO> What a songwriter! What a performer!
@twillbanks
New Karla Bonoff fan just created.