Switching from classical music over to pop and jazz, Portmann gained enough attention to receive a scholarship to New York's impressive Eastman School of Music. There, he centered his efforts on composing and orchestration.
In his teens, Portmann left New York for the University of Miami. He earned his degree there, studying under gifted teachers like Vince Maggio. Even before Portmann had completed school, he was already making a living with his music, mostly as a session musician. He performed and recorded with a number of artists in Miami, even touring with José Luis Rodriguez.
In 1988, Portmann moved again, this time to Los Angeles. He soon became a member of a group known as the Rippingtons. While he was with them as keyboardist, the band made three top-selling albums and toured worldwide.
Portmann left the Rippingtons after four terrific years. He got things lined up and put together a record label of his own, Hands On, Inc. In 1994, he recorded the album Roadmusic under his label. The album made it onto charts like the R&R and the Top 94 of 1994.
For a second album, Portmann recorded Driving Beverly Hills, re-released in 1997 under the Zebra Records label. "Indigo Sunsets," "Cruise Control," and "Point of No Return" are some of the tracks on the album. That same year he completed the album No Truer Words, also for Zebra.
During his remarkable career, Portmann has worked with many famous artists, such as Barbra Streisand, Annie Lennox, James Ingram, Luther Vandross, Julio Iglesias, Boyz II Men, Debbie Gibson, Michael Bolton, Dolly Parton, Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, Christina Aguilera, and too many others to name. He also does musical film scores and recordings, his work appearing in Purple Sage, Made in America, The Mirror Has Two Faces, Pooh's Grand Adventure, Miracle on 34th St., and television shows like the 1996 Grammy Awards, Diagnosis Murder, Cagney & Lacey, Murder She Wrote, and others. ~ Charlotte Dillon
come as you are
Mark Portmann Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You need no alibi
Show your emotions, give me a sign
Let me know that you're mine
Be my lover, be my best friend
Oh baby, save me when I fade
And I will always love you
If you...
Come as you are
Don't change a thing
Here is my heart
Just walk right in
Come as you are
Don't tell me lies
And I'll be yours
'Till do us part
There is a heaven
It's in your eyes
Where I have no disguise
Please don't mislead me
Rescue my pride
Show me you're really mine
I want you for me, no questions asked
Don't need to know 'bout your past
'Cause I will always love you
I promise I'll be true, to you
If you...
Come as you are
Don't change a thing
Here is my heart
Just walk right in
Come as you are
Don't tell me lies
And I'll be yours
'Till do us part
The song "Come As You Are" by Mark Portmann is a romantic ballad that expresses a desire for deep emotional connection with a lover. The lyrics are about acceptance and unconditional love, as the singer urges their partner to be themselves and not change for anyone. The song starts with the singer asking for their lover to stand by their side and give them emotional support, and to be honest about their feelings. They want their lover to be their best friend and lover, someone who will save them when they're down. The chorus emphasizes the importance of their lover being true to themselves, and not hiding behind lies or pretenses. They want their partner to come as they are, with no need to change or be anything other than themselves.
The second verse continues with the theme of acceptance and unconditional love. The singer does not want to know about their lover's past or hold any judgments against them. They simply want to love and be loved. The bridge of the song brings up the idea of heaven being in the lover's eyes, expressing the idea that their partner is everything to them and that they see their inner beauty. The final chorus repeats the refrain that the singer wants their lover to come as they are, and that they will be there to love and support them for the rest of their lives.
Overall, "Come As You Are" is a song about true love and acceptance, emphasizing the importance of honesty, openness, and unconditional love in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
Shelter my feelings, stand by my side
Be there for me emotionally, support me through thick and thin.
You need no alibi
I trust you completely and don't need you to justify or explain your actions.
Show your emotions, give me a sign
Be vulnerable with me, express your feelings, and let me know where you stand.
Let me know that you're mine
Make it clear that you're committed to me and our relationship.
Be my lover, be my best friend
I want a partner who can fulfill both romantic and platonic needs, someone I can rely on for both physical and emotional intimacy.
Oh baby, save me when I fade
Be my support system and help me through tough times, even if it means sacrificing your own needs and wants.
And I will always love you
My feelings for you are genuine and unwavering.
I promise I'll be true to you
I'll stay committed and faithful to you, no matter what life throws our way.
If you... Come as you are
I accept and love you for who you are, flaws and all.
Don't change a thing
I don't want you to pretend to be someone you're not or alter your behavior to meet my expectations.
Here is my heart
I'm willing to be vulnerable and give you my all in this relationship.
Just walk right in
You don't need to knock or ask permission to be a part of my life, you're always welcome.
Don't tell me lies
Honesty and open communication are vital for our relationship to thrive.
And I'll be yours 'Till do us part
I'm committed to spending the rest of my life with you and building a lasting partnership.
There is a heaven It's in your eyes
When I look at you, I feel an overwhelming sense of happiness, comfort, and safety.
Where I have no disguise
I can be completely myself around you, without worrying about judgment or rejection.
Please don't mislead me
Be honest and straightforward with me, don't play games or manipulate me.
Rescue my pride
Help me feel confident and worthy, especially during moments of self-doubt or failure.
Show me you're really mine
Demonstrate your commitment and love for me through your actions and words.
I want you for me, no questions asked
I'm completely devoted to you and don't desire anyone else.
Don't need to know 'bout your past
Your history and mistakes don't define you or our relationship, and I won't hold them against you.
Contributed by Jordan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.