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.
When You Walk In The Room
Karla Bonoff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can feel a glowing sensation taking place
I can hear the guitars playin' lovely tunes
Every time that you walk in the room
I close my eyes for a second and pretend it's me you want
Meanwhile I try to act so nonchalant
I feel a summer's night with a magic moon
Baby it's a dream come true
Standin' right along side of you
Wish I could show you how much I care
But I only have the nerve to stare
I can feel a something pounding in my brain
Just any time that someone speaks your name
Trumpets sound I hear thunder boom
Every time that you walk in the room
The lyrics in Karla Bonoff's song "When You Walk In The Room" describe the overwhelming feeling that one can experience upon meeting a love interest. The song is rich in descriptive language, featuring references to "glowing sensations" and "lovely tunes". It portrays the feeling of longing and admiring someone from afar, while lacking the courage to express your feelings towards them. This is demonstrated in lines such as "I close my eyes for a second and pretend it's me you want, Meanwhile, I try to act so nonchalant".
The chorus of the song is an expression of excitement and thrill as the singer encounters their love interest. She mentions how it is a dream come true to be standing alongside the person she admires. However, she admits to being too nervous to express her feelings beyond merely staring. This song is an ode to the exhilaration of new love and the anxiety that comes with it.
Line by Line Meaning
I can feel a new expression on my face
Whenever I see you, my face lights up with happiness and joy.
I can feel a glowing sensation taking place
Being in your presence makes me feel warm and happy inside.
I can hear the guitars playin' lovely tunes
The sound of guitars playing feels like perfect accompaniment to the experience of seeing you.
Every time that you walk in the room
Simply your presence has the power to change my mood and the energy of the space around me.
I close my eyes for a second and pretend it's me you want
I secretly wish that you would notice me and want to be with me, even if it's just for a moment.
Meanwhile I try to act so nonchalant
Despite how strong my feelings are, I try to act as if they don't affect me, in order to hide my vulnerability and protect myself from getting hurt.
I feel a summer's night with a magic moon
The way you make me feel is like a beautiful, romantic summer night complete with a full moon and twinkling stars.
Baby it's a dream come true
Being near you and experiencing your energy is like a dream come true for me.
Standin' right along side of you
I feel so lucky to be able to stand beside you and be in your presence, even if only for a short time.
Wish I could show you how much I care
I wish that I had the courage and confidence to express my feelings for you openly and honestly.
But I only have the nerve to stare
Unfortunately, my fear and nervousness cause me to freeze up and only be able to look at you from afar, without taking any action.
I can feel a something pounding in my brain
The sight or thought of you can send my heart racing and create a dizzying, excited feeling in my head.
Just any time that someone speaks your name
Even hearing someone mention your name can cause a physical and emotional reaction in me.
Trumpets sound I hear thunder boom
When you enter a room or my thoughts, it feels like a grand and powerful event, complete with impressive, explosive sounds.
Every time that you walk in the room
No matter how many times I've seen you before, you continue to have a profound effect on me every time you enter a room.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jackie Shannon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Paul Norton
An excellent version of a classic. Kudos to Karla's singing and Jackie De Shannon's songwriting.
Jack Rambler
Quite a combination- Karla’s band playing Jackie’s great song.
old Mose
I love this song!! She does an excellant version of it!
Gregory Akin
Jackie's version cannot be topped,but she does a respectful version by not trying to improve on it but having her own style. Very talented.
keitheeweithee
I love Karla's voice, round and resonating..pure;..gorgeous.
Christopher Schaumburg
A beautiful woman with a golden voice.
redhairkid
I have never heard a version of this song I didn't like and Karla's version is no exception. Like 'Groovy Kind Of Love', it's been good in every version!
Marc McCutcheon
I have been in love with Karla Bonoff for over 30 years ( but I only have the nerve to stare...).. I saw two of her concerts... She was wonderful...Sing, Karla, Sing...
Michael Anderson
Same here, bro!
Margaret Reilly
I've had a girl crush on her for 30 years too, but I haven't heard this song since some SOB stole my album 25 years ago. I thought of the man I was in love with 30 years ago that reminds me of this song so I googled it. When I heard it and "Someone to Lay Down beside Me" I was taken back in a time capsule to the time we were together. I'd forgotten how moving her songs were. Thank heavens for YouTube.