When Naomi Judd found herself pregnant, she quickly got married but not to the father of her first child, daughter Christina Ciminella. Christina, born May 30, 1964, became known as Wynonna Judd when the mother-daughter duo stormed the country charts in the 1980s.
After Naomi Judd divorced, she moved from Hollywood, back to Morrill, Ky., with Wynonna and another daughter Ashley. There, she worked as a nurse in a local infirmary. Outside working and school hours, she and the children would sing anything from bluegrass to showbiz standards for their own amusement. However, when Wynonna nurtured aspirations to be a professional entertainer, her mother lent her encouragement, to the extent of moving the family to Nashville in 1979. Naomi's contralto subtly underlined Wynonna's tuneful drawl.
In addition to many performances on Ralph Emery's morning television show, Naomi elicited an audition for RCA Records while tending a hospitalized relation of label producer Brent Maher. With a past that read like a Judith Krantz novel, the Judds -- so the executives considered -- would have more than an even chance in the country market. An exploratory mini-album, which contained proved the executives correct. The single "Had a Dream (From the Heart)" peaked at No. 17 in 1984. Later that year, the Judds scored their first of 14 No. 1 hits with "Mama He's Crazy."
Self-composed songs included Naomi's 1989 composition "Change of Heart," dedicated to her future second husband (and former Elvis Presley backing vocalist) Larry Strickland. Meanwhile, Maher co-wrote hits such as 1985's Grammy-winning "Why Not Me," "Turn It Loose," "Girls Night Out," "Grandpa (Tell Me 'Bout The Good Ol' Days)" and "Rockin' With the Rhythm of the Rain."
Most Judds records exhibited an acoustic bias and a penchant for star guests that included the Jordanaires on "Don't Be Cruel," Emmylou Harris on "The Sweetest Gift," Mark Knopfler on his "Water of Love" and Bonnie Raitt playing slide guitar on the album Love Can Build a Bridge. In 1988, the pair became the first female country act to found their own booking agency (Pro-Tours), but a chronic hepatitis infection forced Naomi to retire from the concert stage two years later.
The Judds toured America in a series of farewell concerts before Wynonna began her solo career. Wynonna got off to a strong start, as her first two singles both went to #1. Her 1994 single "Girls With Guitars" featured Naomi (as well as Lyle Lovett) on backup vocals.
In 1998, The Judds appeared in a commercial for the retail chain Kmart, singing Wynonna's single "Woman To Woman".
In 1999, Wynonna reunited with her mother for a New Year's Eve concert in Phoenix. The following year, the duo recorded four new tracks for a bonus disc issued with Wynonna's album New Day Dawning, and undertook a multi-city tour. The results were issued as the album Reunion Live. A 2004 single, "Flies On The Butter (You Can't Go Home Again)" was recorded with Naomi; however, the single was credited as "Wynonna with Naomi Judd" instead of "The Judds".
I Saw The Light
The Judds Lyrics
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Wrote "I love you" on a note
I rang the doorbell and turned to go
Baby when the curtains moved
I couldn't believe the view
I saw the light in your window tonight
I saw two shadows holding each other tight
I saw the light in your window tonight
So take your cheating hands off my red dress
'Cause I ain't wearing this thing for you
I see you clearly now, and your lies too
They say that love is blind
Well, baby, not this time
I saw the light in your window tonight
I saw two shadows holding each other tight
I know the truth when I look in your eyes
I saw the light in your window tonight
Why, baby, why (why, baby, why)
Should I listen to ya
Cry, baby, cry (cry, baby, cry)
Now I'm walking out the door
They say that love is blind
Well, baby, not this time (I saw the light, I saw the light, I saw the light)
I saw the light in your window tonight
I saw two shadows holding each other tight
I know the truth when I look in your eyes
I saw the light in your window tonight
I know the truth when I look in your eyes
I saw the light in your window tonight
The lyrics to The Judds's song "I Saw The Light" tell a heartbreaking story of betrayal and realization. The singer describes laying a red rose on their partner's front porch and expressing love in a note, only to witness a devastating scene as they ring the doorbell and see two shadows holding each other tightly through the moving curtains. This moment of discovery is captured with the line "I saw the light in your window tonight," symbolizing the illumination of the truth that has been hidden from the singer.
The song's chorus emphasizes the stark contrast between the facade of love and the reality of betrayal. Despite the singer's initial blindness to the deception, they now see through the lies and deceit, highlighted by the poignant line "I know the truth when I look in your eyes." The imagery of shadows and light conveys the duality of the situation, with the light revealing the harsh truth that has been obscured in the darkness.
As the singer confronts the cheating partner, they assert their independence and refuse to be deceived any longer. The refusal to continue wearing the red dress for someone who does not deserve it symbolizes reclaiming their agency and self-worth. The lyrics convey a sense of empowerment as the singer asserts their clarity and strength in the face of betrayal, refusing to be blinded by love any longer.
The closing lines of the song echo the resolve and determination of the singer as they walk away from the toxic relationship. Despite the pain and heartache caused by the betrayal, the singer chooses self-respect and honesty over succumbing to false promises and empty apologies. The repetition of "I saw the light in your window tonight" serves as a powerful reminder of the moment of truth that led to the singer's liberation from the illusions of love. Overall, the lyrics of "I Saw The Light" poignantly capture the emotional journey of confronting betrayal, finding strength in truth, and ultimately choosing to walk away from deceitful love.
Line by Line Meaning
I laid a red rose on your front porch
I tried to show you love and affection, but you didn't appreciate it
Wrote "I love you" on a note
I expressed my feelings for you in writing, hoping you would understand
I rang the doorbell and turned to go
I reached out to you, but you didn't answer or acknowledge me
Baby when the curtains moved
I caught a glimpse of what was happening inside your home
I couldn't believe the view
I was shocked by what I saw, realizing the truth about your actions
I saw the light in your window tonight
I saw the truth about your infidelity and deceit
I know the truth when I look in your eyes
I can see through your lies and deception just by looking at you
So take your cheating hands off my red dress
I won't allow you to deceive me any longer, you can't manipulate me with your actions
They say that love is blind
People often overlook the faults of those they love, but I won't be blindsided by your betrayal
Why, baby, why (why, baby, why)
I question your motives and actions, wondering why you would hurt me like this
Cry, baby, cry (cry, baby, cry)
I'm no longer willing to tolerate your excuses and tears, as I walk away from this relationship
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andrew M. Gold, Lisa Angelle
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind