She appeared in numerous television shows of the 1970s and 1980s, including T.J. Hooker and Lou Grant. She auditioned for the role of Princess Leia in Star Wars, and appeared in the 1978 film Thank God It's Friday.
Nunn joined the New Wave, techno-pop band Berlin in 1979, but temporarily left the band the following year to pursue an acting career. In 1981, Nunn rejoined the group as the lead vocalist and would soon forge her recording career with the band. Nunn's greatest success with Berlin was the top-selling single "Take My Breath Away", the love theme from the film Top Gun, which reached the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, and has since been remade in a cover version by Jessica Simpson. Other popular songs songs voiced by Nunn included "Sex (I'm A...)", "The Metro", "No More Words", and "Masquerade".
In 1985 Nunn took a brief break as lead vocalist for Berlin and recorded the song "Dancing In Isolation" for the film Better Off Dead. The song was produced by British singer and producer Rupert Hine. In 1989, Nunn performed a duet with ex-Squeeze member Paul Carrack called "Romance". The song appeared the film soundtrack to the movie Sing, starring Peter Dobson and Lorraine Bracco.
In the early 1990s Nunn sang backing vocals for the band The Sisters of Mercy. In 1992, she recorded and released a solo album entitled Moment of Truth.
Nunn briefly sang for a rock band called "Sin City" which played in smaller clubs in Los Angeles in 1996, such as the Martini Lounge (now known as the Larchmont) on 5/14/96 and the (West Hollywood) House of Blues on 12/29/96.
Nunn obtained the rights to use of the band's name when Berlin disbanded in 1987, and resurrected Berlin with new members in 1996 and resumed recording and touring. Two EPs, Fall Into Heaven and Fall Into Heaven 2, were released in 1999, followed by Berlin's first live album, Sacred and Profane, in 2000. A subsequent album featuring all new songs, Voyeur, was released in 2002. Berlin's latest album, 4Play, released in 2005, included both new songs and covers of some of the band's favorite songs by other artists. In 2006, Nunn appeared as a guest vocalist on Pamela Moore's album Stories from a Blue Room.
For What It's Worth
Terri Nunn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
There's battle lines being drawn
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind
I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
What a field-day for the heat
A thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly say, hooray for our side
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
We better stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, now, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
The lyrics to Terri Nunn's song For What It's Worth are a powerful commentary on the social unrest and political turmoil of the 1960s. The song begins with a sense of confusion and uncertainty - "There's something happening here, what it is ain't exactly clear" - which sets the tone for the rest of the song. There is a man with a gun who is warning people to be careful, and it becomes clear that there are deeper issues at play. The chorus urges people to stop and listen for the sound of change that is happening around them.
As the song progresses, it becomes clear that there is a divide between the younger generation and those in power. "Battle lines are being drawn" and "Young people speaking their minds" are met with "resistance from behind". The song suggests that this resistance is the result of fear and paranoia, which often goes hand-in-hand with efforts to maintain the status quo. The lyrics make it clear that real change will only come from listening to those who are speaking out and working together to effect change.
Overall, For What It's Worth is a powerful call to action, urging people to recognize the signs of social unrest and political turmoil around them and to work together to bring about change. The song's message is particularly relevant today, as people around the world continue to demand greater social justice and equality.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something happening here
Something is occurring right now.
What it is ain't exactly clear
It's not entirely clear what that something is.
There's a man with a gun over there
There's a man wielding a firearm in that location.
Telling me I got to beware
He's telling me to be careful and watch out.
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
It's probably a good idea to pause and listen to the noise, kids.
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone should take notice of what's happening.
There's battle lines being drawn
People are starting to take sides and prepare for conflict.
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
If everyone is wrong, then no one can be right.
Young people speaking their minds
Youth are sharing their opinions openly.
Getting so much resistance from behind
They're experiencing lots of pushback from those behind them.
I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
We need to pause and listen to the noise again.
Mostly say, hooray for our side
The majority of people are cheering for their team.
What a field-day for the heat
It's a great opportunity for law enforcement.
A thousand people in the street
There are a lot of people outside.
Singing songs and carrying signs
They're chanting and holding up placards.
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Let's stop and listen to the noise again.
Paranoia strikes deep
Fear and mistrust are making a strong impression.
Into your life it will creep
It'll slowly infect and consume your life.
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
If you disobey or deviate, authority figures will punish you and throw you in jail.
We better stop, hey, what's that sound
We really need to stop and pay attention to the noise.
Everybody look what's going down
Everyone should be aware of what's happening around them.
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Hey, let's pause and hear that noise.
Stop, now, what's that sound
People, stop and listen to the noise now.
Stop, children, what's that sound
Young ones, stop and pay attention to that noise.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Stills
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@justincopple8222
I love the 4play album cover she's posing in LOL. Thank you for uploading this badass cover.
@dampendamp1441
Would have loved to hear this 1991-1992.
@robertlouisburns
This was originally on Terri Nunn’s Take My Breath Away (remix) maxi single in 1991 with an intro. Not sure when recorded.
@raveballs
yeah, it's listed as "Berlin feat. Terri Nunn," which makes me think it might actually be older than 1991.
https://www.discogs.com/release/5892427-Terri-Nunn-Take-My-Breath-Away-Remix
@justincopple8222
Wow never heard this version being sung by a woman before.
@raveballs
yeah, me neither. i love terri nunn's voice, but gotta admit this version's a bit vanilla. in her defense, though, it's one of those songs that are so perfect that any cover pales in comparison.
@justincopple8222
I came across this one by accident and I'm glad I did. She nailed it with this song. She's always had a beautiful voice.
@raveballs
glad you like it! you might like this madonna cover she did, as well, if you've never heard:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYvNPOxV530