Bertine started her musical journey at a young age, penning her first songs aged just 12. After emerging from a more classical route and music college, she began to concentrate on her long-term fantasy to become a singer-songwriter. Her debut album Morbid Late Night Show, released in 1998, was followed by the Tore Johansson (Cardigans) produced Beautiful So Far in 2000, before Sweet Injections was released in 2003, produced by electronic experts Howie B and Magnus Fiennes and two tracks with producer Richard X (Sugababes, Rachel Stevens) including the hit single Girl Like You, all to widespread critical acclaim and commercial success.
In 2004 Bertine released the more commercial single Fake Your Beauty which became her second best hit to date. The single Ah-Ah was followed by the album Rollerskating, produced by Fred 'Pleasure' Ball.
In 2006 she released the singles 500 and Midnight followed by the album My Italian Greyhound on which she worked again with Fred 'Pleasure' Ball as a producer. This is expected to be her last album as she plans to move into songwriting for other artists.
Bertine is a multiple Norwegian Grammy winner, has played to 60,000 people a night, alongside Chrissie Hynde and Sheryl Crow at Lilleth Fair. She has toured across the world.
Awards:
* Spellemannprisen 1998: 'Best debut album' and 'Best pop album'
* Hitawards 1998: 'Female artist of the year'
* Hitawards 2000: 'Female artist of the year'
* Spellemannprisen 2000: 'Pop soloist of the year'
Website: www.bertine.com
Cruel
Bertine Zetlitz Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I said, you have nothing to fear
We fled, but she didn't see me stay behind, no
She's got the most beautiful eyes
I've got the most beautiful life
We fled, but she didn't see me stay behind, no
And I can be cruel when it matters
He's got the most imperfect smile
Hell, I haven't kissed in a while
We fled, but she didn't see me stay behind, no
I've got all my numbers for sale
She knows how I hate when I fail
We fled, but she didn't see me stay behind, no
And I can be cruel when it matters
Cut my heart out while you can
Cut my eyes and cut my hand
Cut the boy who always blames
Cut my boys and cut my hate
All good come to those who wait
I was there stealing names
And I can be cruel when it matters
The lyrics to Bertine Zetlitz's song Cruel tell the story of two people who have fled something - perhaps a difficult situation or a past relationship - and are now together, but with one person staying behind. The singer sings about the beauty of their partner and their own life, but also acknowledges that they can be cruel when it matters. The second verse introduces a different perspective, a male character who has "the most imperfect smile" and hasn't kissed in awhile. He also has "all his numbers for sale" which could mean he's selling something or maybe he's trying to buy something. Again, the singer admits to being cruel when it matters.
The third verse is a bit more abstract, with lines like "Cut my heart out while you can" and "Cut the boy who always blames." It seems like the singer is acknowledging their own flaws and asking to be "cut" - either physically or emotionally - as a way to deal with them. The line "All good come to those who wait" could be a reminder to be patient and not rush into things.
Overall, the song seems to be about people who have been hurt in the past and are trying to move on, but also acknowledging that they can be difficult or cruel at times. The repetition of "We fled, but she didn't see me stay behind" could be interpreted as running away from problems instead of facing them head-on.
Line by Line Meaning
She said, haven't loved in a year
She confessed that she has not had feelings of love for a whole year.
I said, you have nothing to fear
I reassured her that there was no need for her to worry.
We fled, but she didn't see me stay behind, no
We left together, but I stayed back without her noticing.
She's got the most beautiful eyes
Her eyes are the most stunning feature she has.
I've got the most beautiful life
I believe my life is beautiful and fulfilling.
And I can be cruel when it matters
I am capable of being ruthless when the situation calls for it.
He's got the most imperfect smile
Although his smile is not perfect, I still find it charming.
Hell, I haven't kissed in a while
It has been some time since I last kissed someone.
I've got all my numbers for sale
I am willing to sell my contacts' phone numbers.
She knows how I hate when I fail
She is aware of how much I despise failure.
Cut my heart out while you can
Remove my heart while you still have the chance.
Cut my eyes and cut my hand
Cut my eyes and my hand as a form of punishment.
Cut the boy who always blames
Cut away the person who always places blame on others.
Cut my boys and cut my hate
Remove my friends and my hatred from my life.
All good come to those who wait
Good things come to those who are patient.
I was there stealing names
I was present, taking names for some undisclosed purpose.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BERTINE ZETLITZ
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind