Emilíana Torrini (Emilíana Torrini Davíðsdóttir, born on 16 May 1977 in Kóp… Read Full Bio ↴Emilíana Torrini (Emilíana Torrini Davíðsdóttir, born on 16 May 1977 in Kópavogur, Iceland) is an Icelandic singer-songwriter.

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

Miss Celies Blues
Emilíana Torrini Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Hmmm

Sister - you've been on my mind
And sister - we're two of a kind
So sister - I'm keepin' my eyes on you

I bet you think I don't know
Nothin' - but singin' the blues

Oh, and sister - have I got news for you
I'm somethin' - I hope you
Think that you're somethin' too

Oh and darlin'
I've had a low life lomesone road
And I've seen a lot of sun goin' down
So entrust me
No low life's gonna run me around
So let me tell you somethin'
Sister - remember your name
No twister - gonna steal your stuff away
My sister - we sho' ain't got
A whole lot of time

Soooo shake you shimmy, sister
'Cause honey this sure
Is feelin' fiii-iiine!

Woo hoo! Ha ha hahahaha!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Emiliana Torrini's "Miss Celie's Blues" convey a sense of sisterhood and empowerment. The song opens with the singer addressing her sister, acknowledging their shared experiences and connection. She assures her sister that she is watching out for her, suggesting a protective and supportive bond between them.

The chorus emphasizes the singer's knowledge and independence. She challenges any preconceived notions that her sister may have about her, stating that she is more than just someone who sings the blues. She wants her sister to recognize her own worth and encourages her to see herself as something special as well.

In the second verse, the singer reveals her own journey through a challenging and lonely path. She has faced difficult circumstances and witnessed the passing of time. However, she asserts that she will not let anyone with a low life or negative influence control her. Determined, she tells her sister not to forget her own identity and not to let anyone steal her happiness or belongings. The closing lines express a vibrant energy and freedom, encouraging her sister to enjoy herself and embrace life.

The contagious laughter and enthusiasm at the end of the lyrics further reinforce the joyous and celebratory tone of the song, suggesting a release of pent-up emotions and a recognition of the strength found in sisterhood.

Line by Line Meaning

Sister - you've been on my mind
I've been thinking about you, sister

And sister - we're two of a kind
We are very similar, sister

So sister - I'm keepin' my eyes on you
I am watching over you, sister

I bet you think I don't know
You probably believe I am ignorant

Nothin' - but singin' the blues
Only capable of singing sad songs

Oh, and sister - have I got news for you
Oh, sister, I have some important information for you

I'm somethin' - I hope you
I am special, and I hope you feel the same

Think that you're somethin' too
Believe that you are also remarkable

Oh and darlin' I've had a low life lonesome road
Oh, darling, I have experienced a difficult and lonely journey

And I've seen a lot of sun goin' down
I have witnessed many sunsets

So entrust me
So believe in me