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
Snow
Emilíana Torrini Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
She's getting married on the fifth time 'round
Leaning on my favorite side
And I wondered where you are and realize
Something is painted in the snow that you'd like
Finally I'm going all sane
want to tell you something
Well we've sometimes gone astray
But I can't care for nothing, no way
And I hope again to live this life
Just to see you again before I die
Yes I hope again to live this life
To see you once more before I die
And see you before I die
The lyrics of Emiliana Torrini's song "Snow" tell a story of regret and longing for someone that the singer has lost touch with or lost altogether. The opening lines describe a surprising revelation - that someone the singer knew is getting married for the fifth time. The nonchalant tone of the line "you won't believe what I just found out" suggests that the news is not necessarily welcome or exciting. The singer then goes on to describe a moment where she is alone and thinking about this person, wondering where they are and what they might like. This sets the stage for the chorus, which expresses a desire to reconnect with this person before it's too late.
The second verse begins with the phrase "finally I'm going all sane," which suggests that the singer has been going through a period of turmoil or confusion. She then expresses a desire to tell this person something - perhaps something she has been unable or unwilling to express before. The line "we last for long" suggests that their connection had a deep and lasting impact on her life, even though they may have gone through difficult times. The final lines of the chorus express a sense of urgency, with the singer hoping to reconnect with this person before she dies.
Overall, the lyrics of "Snow" explore themes of loss, regret, and the powerful emotions that can arise from even brief encounters with certain people. The singer's longing is palpable, and the imagery of snow - which is both beautiful and fleeting - reinforces the idea that some things in life are brief and precious.
Line by Line Meaning
You won't believe what I just found out
I have some news that may shock you
She's getting married on the fifth time 'round
She's getting married again for the fifth time
Leaning on my favorite side
I'm feeling comfortable and relaxed
And I wondered where you are and realize
I was thinking about you and it dawned on me
Something is painted in the snow that you'd like
There's an image in the snow that reminds me of you
Finally I'm going all sane
I'm feeling mentally stable for the first time in a while
want to tell you something
I have something to say to you
We last for long
Our love has stood the test of time
Well we've sometimes gone astray
We've had our ups and downs in the relationship
But I can't care for nothing, no way
Despite everything, I still care deeply for you
And I hope again to live this life
I have renewed hope for the future
Just to see you again before I die
I want to see you one more time before I pass away
Yes I hope again to live this life
I have renewed determination to make the most of my life
To see you once more before I die
I want to see you again before my time is up
And see you before I die
It's really important to me to see you again before I pass away
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DANIEL DE MUSSENDEN CAREY, EMILIANA TORRINI, JAMIE CRUISEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind