Melissa Etheridge – Come to My Window
What “Come to My Window” is largely based on, in Melissa Etheridge’s own words, a “tumultuous” romantic relationship she was in at the time of its penning. In fact the idea that the title of this song actually alludes to is that, under the circumstances, she and her lover could “not meet and talk in an adult fashion”. As such, she telling the addressee to ‘come to her window’ is a metaphor for them “meet(ing) on the side”, as Melissa explained it. So basically what she seems to be saying is that whereas they may have been too emotional for instance to communicate directly, she still feels a need for them to communicate indirectly if need be.
And along those same lines, what most of the lyrics are actually dedicated to is detailing the singer’s affection for her lover. Basically Melissa remains committed to this individual despite the less-than-favorable situation they are currently going through. And this emotion is driven home most effectively at the end of the second verse. There, the singer proclaims just how much she needs and is dedicated to the addressee.
Song’s Bridge
Now one of the most-famous parts of this song is actually its bridge. It is in this passage where Melissa states her commitment to her significant other despite the external disapproval from others they may face. And there is one major reason why this section in particular sticks out. And this is that shortly before this song was released, Miss Etheridge revealed to the world that she was in fact a lesbian.
So logically, many people concluded that the aforementioned external disapproval was something she and partner dealt with as the result of being lesbians. However, Melissa has clarified that that wasn’t the case. According to her, what she was actually referring to was friends who thought it was unwise for her to stay committed to a distressing romance in general.
Conclusion
So conclusively, this is one of those types of songs where studying its background is imperative to accurately understanding it. Yes, it is a love song. But no, it isn’t the type that is based on passion or some type of idealized yet subversive romance. Rather the singer and her lover have some serious issues. Yet amidst such, it is pretty clear this is someone she truly loves and has no intention of leaving.
Music Video
The music video to this song features an actress by the name of Juliette Lewis. Juliette is perhaps best known as starring alongside Woody Harrelson in “Natural Born Killers” (1994). And the director of the clip is renowned music-video filmographer Samuel Bayer.
Release Date of “Come to My Window”
This song was released by Island Records in 1993. It is featured on Etheridge’s fourth-studio album, “Yes I Am”. It is noted as being the first Melissa Etheridge song to come out after she made her lesbianism publicly known in January of 1993.
Writing Credits
“Come to My Window” was written and co-produced by Etheridge. And the other producer is the well-accomplished Hugh Padgham.
Success on the Charts
This is a track which originally Etheridge had no intentions of putting out. However, she later didn’t regret doing so, as it proved to be mega successful. For instance, “Come to My Window” appeared on five Billboard charts (including the Hot 100). Furthermore, it has been certified Gold in the United States.
Moreover this track was nominated for two Grammy Awards in 1994. It ended up taking home the trophy in the category of Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
Melissa Etheridge performed “Come to My Window” at The Concert for New York City, which was held on 20 October 2001 in the aftermath of the destruction of the World Trade Center. And this performance is especially notable because during it her mic failed. However the audience members – which consisted of NYPD, FDNY and the like – sang the song themselves, while Etheridge played the guitar, until the microphone situation was rectified.
Oh brother. Of course this song is about her lesbianism. What a slut she is, forcing us to go through her nasty, perverted BS. She should be s—. Long Live Westboro….GOD HATES F–S!
Another homophobic a–hole! You are disgusting. God hates no one! What if God hates you for being a horrible, judgmental a–hole?!
F you, you narrowed minded, homoph-bic piece of sh-t. There is a dung heap in the low rent district of hell that has your name on it, and I hope you slowly decompose on top of it, you miserable sub-human.