Her father is Italian and her mother Icelandic. Emilíana grew up in Kópavogur where, at the age of 7, she joined a choir as a soprano. She continued with the choir until she went to opera school at the age of 15. Later she worked as waitress at her father's restaurant. In 1994, Emilíana became well-known at the age of 17 after winning the song competition for junior college students (Icelandic: Söngkeppni framhaldsskólanna), singing "I Will Survive".
Prior to her appearance on the worldwide stage, she released 3 other albums in Iceland: Spoon in 1994, Crouçie D'où Là in 1995, and Merman in 1996. Emilíana also worked with trip-hop group Gus Gus on their debut Polydistortion (1997) on two songs: Is Jesus Your Pal? and Why?.
Later Torrini continues to collaborate with other artists, notably composing Kylie Minogue's international #1 track Slow with Dan Carey in 2003, and providing the voice for Gollum's Song, the closing theme for the film "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers". Also in 2002, she sang vocals on Paul Oakenfold's song Hold Your Hand taken from his Bunkka album.
In 2003 she collaborated with Thievery Corporation on two songs Heaven's Gonna Burn Your Eyes and Until the Morning from The Richest Man in Babylon (2005), and Slovo's debut album, Nommo.
Emilíana Torrini released her international debut album, Love In The Time Of Science in November 1999. This trip-hop album was produced by Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears. Four singles were issued: Dead Things, Baby Blue, To Be Free, and Unemployed in Summertime.
Working with Dan Carey, her second major album release released in 2005, Fisherman's Woman, signified a departure from her earlier electronic roots to an acoustic-folk sound; applying the ethereal beauty of her voice in a much more intimate setting, reminiscent of the work of Nick Drake and fellow Icelanders múm. The singles Lifesaver, Sunnyroad, and Heartstopper supported the album.
Her third album, Me and Armini was released on 8 September 2008, to generally good reviews. The album was promoted by three singles: Me and Armini, Big Jumps, and Jungle Drum. The single Jungle Drum became Emilíana's most successful song, reaching #1 in Iceland, Austria, Belgium, Germany, #5 on Finland, and #11 in Switzerland.
Her fourth international studio album, Tookah was released in 2013.
http://www.emilianatorrini.com/
Torrini has lately worked with Canada's Kid Koala, providing vocals on the ambient album Music To Draw To: Satellite, released in January 2017.
The album is described as "...his first non sample-based album, with all the instruments and effects being manipulated by him and him alone) and lyricist (a collaboration with Icelandic vocalist Emilíana Torrini, who somehow makes this sometimes stark, often celestial-sounding record even more chilling with her captivating performances on tracks like "Collapser" and "Adrift") — is able to transport listeners to the depths of space, or wherever their imagination wills them, with ease."
http://exclaim.ca/music/article/kid_koala-music_to_draw_to_satellite
Asking For Love
Emilíana Torrini Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Let it fly
For my love is entering
Give it a try
With your arms around my neck
Hold me to
Let this night surround our love
That′s what I'm asking for
No-one could ask for more
That′s what I want you to
You've got to give me your love
Love is like a growing grass
Loves the rain
When it's real don′t let it pass
Has all to gain
That′s what I'm asking for
No-one could ask for more
Yeah, that′s what I want you to
You've got to give me your love
That′s what I'm asking for
No-one could ask for more
That′s what I want you to
You've got to give me your love
That's what I′m asking for
No-one could ask for more
That′s what I want you to
You've got to give me your love
In Emilíana Torrini's song "Asking For Love," the lyrics convey a longing and desire for love and connection. The first verse starts with the idea of giving one's heart the freedom to soar and explore, indicating a willingness to open up emotionally and let love in. It suggests that the singer's love is on its way, and they encourage the recipient to take a chance and give it a try.
The second verse introduces the physical aspect of love, emphasizing the importance of physical touch and intimacy. The singer wants to be held close, with their arms around their partner's neck, creating a sense of comfort, security, and closeness. They desire for this night to envelop and enhance their love, creating a magical atmosphere for them as a couple.
The chorus repeats the phrase "That's what I'm asking for, no one could ask for more" multiple times, emphasizing the simplicity and purity of the singer's desires. They are not asking for grand gestures or material possessions, but rather for genuine love and affection. The repetition emphasizes the sincerity and importance of this request.
The bridge uses the metaphor of love being like a growing grass that is nourished by rain, suggesting that love flourishes when it is given attention and care. The lyrics highlight that when love is real, it shouldn't be allowed to pass by, as it has everything to gain. This emphasizes the urgency and significance of the singer's request for their partner's love.
Overall, "Asking For Love" captures the essence of seeking genuine love, connection, and intimacy. The lyrics express a sincere and earnest desire for love without any hidden agenda or high expectations. The simplicity and repetition of the chorus reinforce the straightforward nature of the singer's plea, conveying that all they want and need is the affection and love of their partner.
Line by Line Meaning
Give your heart a kind of wing
Allow your heart to feel free and open
Let it fly
Let your heart soar and experience the depths of love
For my love is entering
Because my love is coming into your life
Give it a try
Take a chance on love and give it a shot
With your arms around my neck
Embrace me tightly, holding me close
Hold me to
Keep me close and don't let go
Let this night surround our love
Allow the magic of this night to encompass our love
Me and you
Just the two of us, together in love
That's what I'm asking for
This is the simple request I have
No-one could ask for more
There is nothing more I could desire
That's what I want you to
This is my desire for you
You've got to give me your love
I need you to offer your love to me
Love is like a growing grass
Love is like a flourishing, ever-growing grass
Loves the rain
Love thrives and is nourished by the rain of affection
When it's real don't let it pass
When true love appears, don't let it slip away
Has all to gain
Love has everything to gain when embraced fully
Contributed by Sadie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@NeverStoppedSinging
Words can not describe my feelings towards this woman's music!
@ketchup5344
Im speechless too bud 👍
@joshuawhiteshirt1848
Why is she not insanely famous. She has all the attributes, looks, voice, appeal
@horozlumesepermakulturveek9031
Because she is not a bitch.
@ketchup5344
Tell me about it.👍
@earljones1849
Another Dimond in the music world that most people never herd of. One of my favorite artist.
@ketchup5344
👍👍👍
@atouch89
I love her soul so much
@antoniosimmini2403
perfect songwriter Emiliana.....wonderful song...
@Agarthalien
A real pleasure of listening !