Feeling they had international scope, Gilder and fellow band member, guitarist and songwriting partner, James McCulloch left the band and signed an American record deal. Gilder's first album attracted some critical praise but failed to break into the commercial mainstream. It wasn't until his second solo album, which spawned the smash hit "Hot Child in the City", that Gilder finally had chart success in the United States.
That song went to number one both in Canada and the U.S. It also earned Gilder two more Juno Awards: 'Best Selling Single' and 'Most Promising Male Vocalist of the Year'. He also won a People's Choice Award in the U.S. With several other sleek songs on the topic of wayward youths, he gained the nickname "The Nabokov of the Jukebox". Later releases proved less successful commercially, however, and interest in Gilder's own music waned over the 80s and 90s compared to his 70s heyday, though he still had many fans.
However, Gilder has also been successful as a songwriter for artists such as Patty Smyth, Bette Midler, Joe Cocker and Pat Benatar. In 1984, the band Scandal had a number one hit with "The Warrior", which was written by Gilder and Holly Knight, and it earned him a BMI Airplay Award. The song experienced a resurgence among a later generation when it was included in the Guitar Hero video game series.
Gilder's songs have been used in several movies such as 'Youngblood' with Rob Lowe and 'The Wraith' with Charlie Sheen as well as in TV series such as 'Sex and the City' and 'That '70s Show'. Returning to Canada in the mid-90s, Gilder quickly became a favorite in the classic rock music festivals across Canada, where he continues to record and tour.
Genevieve
Nick Gilder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So sad to see you go.
Seems such a shame,
I've only myself to blame.
You gave me more and more,
And all I did was take.
That's not romance,
Cause I'm never going back to my old school,
I'm never gonna break the golden rule.
Ive loved that girl, for oh so long,
Now it seems there's something wrong.
Lately your words seems cold,
As winters icy breath.
(?)
The sorrow of love in vain.
Genevieve now you leave,
Your shadow lingers on.
Alone in this place,
Every strangers has your face.
More and more.
More and more.
You told me I'm crazy.
The future seems hazy.
Should I laugh or cry.
Oh Genevieve, don't leave.
Genevieve must you leave,
So sad to see you go.
Seems such a shame,
I've only myself to blame.
You gave me more and more,
And all I did was take.
Less than romance,
Give us just one more chance.
Cause I'm never going back to my old school,
I'm never gonna break the golden rule.
Ive loved that girl, for oh so long,
Now it seems there's something wrong.
The lyrics to Nick Gilder's "Genevieve" are those of a man who appears to have finally come to grips with the fact that he has been taking advantage of his partner, Genevieve. He seems to realize that he has been self-centered and has not put in the effort that a loving relationship requires. He expresses regret, stating that it is his own fault for not recognizing and valuing Genevieve's contributions earlier. Despite this realization, he pleads with Genevieve not to leave him, invoking memories of happier times and suggesting that they deserve another chance to make things right.
The song is imbued with melancholy, and the lyrics convey the sense that the singer is haunted by lost opportunities and the fear of a future without Genevieve. The line, "Alone in this place, every stranger has your face," elegantly captures the sense of displacement and disorientation that can accompany the loss of a significant other. The singer's plea for one more chance is ultimately left unanswered, and the listener is left to wonder if Genevieve will ever return.
Line by Line Meaning
Genevieve must you leave,
Nick is sad to see Genevieve leave.
So sad to see you go.
It is unfortunate that Genevieve is leaving.
Seems such a shame,
It is a pity that this is happening.
I've only myself to blame.
Nick feels guilty and responsible for something that went wrong.
You gave me more and more,
Genevieve was very loving and giving.
And all I did was take.
Nick only received from Genevieve and didn't reciprocate her love enough.
That's not romance,
Nick understands that his behavior wasn't romantic.
Give us just one more chance.
Nick wants another chance to treat Genevieve better.
Cause I'm never going back to my old school,
Nick doesn't want to repeat his past mistakes and behaviors.
I'm never gonna break the golden rule.
Nick wants to abide by the moral principle of treating others as you would like to be treated.
I've loved that girl, for oh so long,
Nick has had strong feelings for Genevieve for a while.
Now it seems there's something wrong.
Their relationship isn't going well or something is getting in the way.
Lately your words seems cold,
Genevieve's recent words have been distant and unloving.
As winters icy breath.
Genevieve's words are as cold as the breath of winter.
(?),
Unable to provide a rewording as the lyrics are unclear.
The sorrow of love in vain.
Nick feels sad that their love hasn't been successful or fulfilled.
Genevieve now you leave,
Nick acknowledges that Genevieve is leaving.
Your shadow lingers on.
Genevieve's presence or memory remains with Nick.
Alone in this place,
Nick feels lonely or isolated without Genevieve.
Every strangers has your face.
Nick sees Genevieve in other people he encounters.
More and more.
Nick keeps thinking about Genevieve more and more.
You told me I'm crazy.
Genevieve thinks that Nick's behavior is irrational or strange.
The future seems hazy.
Nick is unsure or uncertain about what will happen next in their relationship.
Should I laugh or cry.
Nick is bewildered and doesn't know how to feel or respond to their situation.
Oh Genevieve, don't leave.
Nick pleads for Genevieve not to go.
Contributed by Madison B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@bizjet
My favorite track from his debut album, sadly, not included on compilation cd. Thanks for posting!
@misterslats
Looking over your videos, Nasty, you have near perfect taste in music.