Their music can be described as guitar-based singer-songwriter rock or folk-rock. It ranges from very delicate and intimate singer-songwriter songs to songs that are stronger, more active and louder. Sam’s smoky, enigmatic voice is the band's best known characteristic. In the seven years between The Great Subconscious Club and Almost Happy the music changed from raw and guitar-based to a more subtle and delicate sound. Sam and Gert write most of the music and lyrics. Most of it is written separately.
Sam mainly tries to express ideas in his songs, and has a hand in writing silly and tongue-in-cheek songs. Gert has one big theme: losing the one you love. While most of the songs are easily accessible and open, some others are strange and incomprehensible. This led Sam to comment: "Listening to the lyrics in the first time, you may find it hard to understand their meaning. When you listen to them a second time you may sense a basic truth in these cryptic words. If you do so, please let me know."
This band appeared in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Doppelgangland) with the song Virgin State of Mind, leading to a boost in popularity.Their most popular song 'Not an addict' can be heard in the movie 'Wild things'.
K's Choice fifth studio album, "Echo Mountain" (after the studios where it was recorded - Echo Mountain Studios in North Carolina) was released on 26 March 2010, with singles "When I Lay Beside You" and "Come Live The Life" being released from the album.
2016 marked the band's first US tour in over 10 years, which the band releasing an accompanying sessions album - The Backpack Sessions later in the year.
In January 2017, the band released a stripped-back re-recording of "Not an Addict." It featured Skin of Skunk Anansie as a guest vocalist, who had previously performed the song live with the group on several occasions.
On 16 March 2018, the band released a live album entitled "Live at the Ancienne Belgique", recorded at a concert (in Dec 2017) in Brussels during the 25th Anniversary tour.
In May 2019, Sam Bettens came out as a trans man.
Live For Real
K's Choice Lyrics
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And pretty loud
You're so beautiful
Why is it fading out
I don't want to live forever
But as long as I do
I'd love to live for real
Now the boy who dried your tears
Now the joy I've had for years
Has left me for a while
I don't want to live forever
But as long as I do
I'd love to live for real
With you I might get there
With you I might start to feel
With you I will get there
With you I will live for real
I will breathe the air, I'll dance
And you will wonder why
It's because you made me see
This chance was moving by
Because I'm not going to live forever
But as long as I do
I'd love to live for real
With you I might get there
With you I might start to feel
With you I will get there
With you I will live for real
When a cloud becomes my head
Play your music loud instead
And we'll dance until
The both of us are dead
K's Choice's song "Live For Real" discusses the transience of life and the importance of living in the present moment, while also expressing the desire to share that experience with someone else. The opening lines of the song suggest that life can be beautiful and full of noise, but as time passes, it can fade away. The singer then reveals that they do not want to live forever, but while they are alive, they want to truly experience life with someone special.
The second verse delves deeper into the singer's emotions, revealing that someone who once helped dry their tears is now struggling and that the joy they experienced has left for a while. The chorus repeats the sentiment that the singer wants to live for real and that they believe they can do so with the help of their partner. The bridge makes use of a metaphor in which a cloud becomes the singer's head, but they can play music and dance until they both pass away.
Overall, the song is about appreciating the moment and taking advantage of the time we do have. It's about finding meaning in the temporary nature of life and sharing experiences with someone else, as they make life worth living.
Line by Line Meaning
Life has always been a pretty song
Life has always appeared beautiful and melodious.
And pretty loud
It has always been filled with noise and activity.
You're so beautiful
The person being addressed is attractive.
Why is it fading out
But something is causing it to gradually disappear.
I don't want to live forever
The singer does not desire to live infinitely.
But as long as I do
However, while the singer is alive.
I'd love to live for real
They hope to experience genuine living.
Now the boy who dried your tears
The person who helped them through tough times.
Is crying all the time
Currently, they are experiencing emotional turmoil.
Now the joy I've had for years
The feeling of happiness the singer experienced for an extended period.
Has left me for a while
Has disappeared for a short time.
With you I might get there
There is a chance that the person being addressed can help the singer reach their goal.
With you I might start to feel
Being with this person may reignite the singer's emotions.
With you I will get there
Being in each other's company may help them accomplish their objective.
With you I will live for real
Being in their presence will enable them to live meaningfully.
I will breathe the air, I'll dance
They will engage in joyful activities and experience life fully.
And you will wonder why
The person being addressed will question why the singer is so happy.
It's because you made me see
The singer will attribute their feelings to the person's impact on their life.
This chance was moving by
The opportunity to experience genuine living was fleeting.
When a cloud becomes my head
When the singer's thoughts are clouded and negative.
Play your music loud instead
They request that the person play music loudly to dispel their negative thoughts.
And we'll dance until
Together, they will dance till the end.
The both of us are dead
Till they pass away, they will continue to enjoy life together.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GERT BETTENS, SARAH BETTENS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind