A member of the National Youth Jazz Orchestra during her youth, Winehouse signed to Simon Fuller's 19 Management in 2002 and soon recorded a number of songs before signing a publishing deal with EMI. She also formed a working relationship with producer Salaam Remi through these record publishers. Winehouse's debut album, Frank, was released in 2003. Many of the album's songs were influenced by jazz and, apart from two covers, were co-written by Winehouse. Frank was a critical success in the UK and was nominated for the Mercury Prize. The song "Stronger Than Me" won her the Ivor Novello Award for Best Contemporary Song from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors.
Winehouse released her follow-up album, Back to Black, in 2006, which went on to become an international success and one of the best-selling albums in UK history. At the 2007 Brit Awards it was nominated for British Album of the Year, and she received the award for British Female Solo Artist. The song "Rehab" won her a second Ivor Novello Award. At the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008, she won five awards, tying the then record for the most wins by a female artist in a single night and becoming the first British woman to win five Grammys, including three of the General Field "Big Four" Grammy Awards: Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year (for "Rehab"), as well as Best Pop Vocal Album.
Winehouse was plagued by drug and alcohol addiction. She died of alcohol poisoning on 23 July 2011, at the age of 27. After her death, Back to Black temporarily became the UK's best-selling album of the 21st century. VH1 ranked Winehouse 26th on their list of the 100 Greatest Women in Music.
04 Some Unholy War
Amy Winehouse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some unholy war
I would be behind him
Straight shook up beside him
With strength he didn't know
It's you I'm fighting for
He can't lose with me in tow
I refuse to let him go
We wait for the blow
Put it in writing
But who you writing for?
Just us on kitchen floor
Justice done
Reciting, my stomach standing still
Like you're reading my will
He still stands in spite of what his scars say
I'll battle till this bitter finale
Just me, my dignity, and this guitar case, whoa, whoa
If, if my man is fighting some unholy war
And I will stand beside you
But who you dying for?
B, I would have died too
I'd have liked to
If my man was fighting
Some unholy war
If my man was fighting
"04 Some Unholy War" is a song by Amy Winehouse from her second studio album, "Back to Black." The song is about being fiercely dedicated to standing by your partner's side, even in their darkest moments. The first verse sets the scene of the song with the singer stating that if her man is fighting an "unholy war," she will be there for him, giving him strength and refusing to let him go. She paints a vivid picture of the two of them standing side by side, waiting for the next blow.
The second verse delves deeper into the relationship between the couple. Winehouse asks who her partner is fighting for and reflects on the fact that it's just the two of them in their kitchen, fighting for what's right. She speaks about the fear that comes with fighting for what you believe in, but ultimately, she knows that she and her partner will stand together. The chorus repeats the sentiment of the first verse, with Winehouse stating that she will stand beside her partner no matter what, even if it means dying too.
Overall, "04 Some Unholy War" is a powerful ballad about the strength of love and the willingness to fight for what you believe in, even in the face of danger and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
If my man was fighting
If my significant other were in the middle of a difficult and immoral conflict
Some unholy war
A battle that is unjust or wicked
I would be behind him
I would support him and stand by his side
Straight shook up beside him
Feeling frightened and nervous, yet still supporting him
With strength he didn't know
Providing him with the courage and determination he didn't realize he possessed
It's you I'm fighting for
I am fighting for you, your safety, and your well-being
He can't lose with me in tow
Having me by his side will ensure he cannot fail
I refuse to let him go
I will not abandon him, I will be with him until the end
At his side, and drunk on pride
Being proudly devoted to him and his cause
We wait for the blow
Anticipating a significant or impactful event
Put it in writing
Make it official or formal, perhaps through a legal document
But who you writing for?
Asking who is the intended audience or recipient of this writing
Just us on kitchen floor
Only the two of us in the privacy of our home
Justice done
Achieving a fair and lawful outcome
Reciting, my stomach standing still
Saying something with a feeling of intense emotion or anxiety
Like you're reading my will
As though my final wishes are being declared
He still stands in spite of what his scars say
Despite physical or emotional wounds, he perseveres and endures
I'll battle till this bitter finale
I will fight until the very end of this difficult and arduous conflict
Just me, my dignity, and this guitar case, whoa, whoa
Only having my pride and this guitar as companions
If, if my man is fighting some unholy war
If my significant other is embroiled in an unjust and immoral conflict
And I will stand beside you
I will remain by your side and support you
But who you dying for?
Who are you giving your life for?
B, I would have died too
I also would have given my life for you
I'd have liked to
I would have been willing and happy to do so
If my man was fighting
If my significant other was involved in a difficult and hectic conflict
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AMY WINEHOUSE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind