Recording and performing career
She started her career in 2000. Throughout her twenties, she played in indie bands including Elia Drew and Tomoko, and focused on songwriting, as well as performing with members of the fledgling Fence Collective including work in the Skuobhie Dubh Orchestra with King Creosote, who recently supported her UK tour. She also lived with Gordon Anderson (The Beta Band and The Aliens), whom the song Funnyman, on the album Drastic Fantastic, is about. She toured with the Klezmer band Oi Va Voi, and guested on their album, Laughter Through Tears.
Music career
Eye to the Telescope (2004–2006)
Her debut album, Eye to the Telescope, was released in late 2004. Tunstall's style of music varies from folk to pop. In Edinburgh and St Andrews, she played in a band called Red Light Stylus, which was regarded as one of the better bands to emerge from the limited Fife scene.
Tunstall's first appearance of note was a solo performance of her famed blues song "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" on Later... with Jools Holland.[10] The performance was notable as she had only 24 hours to prepare after scheduled performer Nas cancelled. Her performance caught the eye of many viewers, although she had previously performed it on French television only some weeks before, upstaging more established acts such as The Cure, Embrace, and The Futureheads; she then went on to top the post-show poll on the website for that episode.
Shortly after the "Later" appearance, Eye to the Telescope was re-released and shot up the UK charts, eventually peaking at #3 (on its first release it had entered at #73); it was nominated for the 2005 Mercury Music Prize. It was released in the U.S. on 7 February 2006.
Tunstall's North American break came when American Idol contestant Katharine McPhee contacted her asking to use "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree" as her choice for a Billboard-themed week. At the time, the song was #79 on the Billboard charts. Tunstall had not been shy with her opinions regarding shows like Idol saying "The major problem I have is that it's completely controlled... they're told what to say. They're told how to sing." She chose to license the song as she felt that "no one on that show told Katharine McPhee to sing my song because no one knew it" Tunstall's belief was correct—the song was suggested to McPhee by Billboard columnist and author Fred Bronson. The song immediately jumped to #23 on the Billboard charts the week following McPhee's performance. She has later said "My status as a musician in America is pretty much cemented by Katharine McPhee, which is really interesting and funny for me because I've never been polite about how I feel about shows like that."
KT Tunstall's Acoustic Extravaganza (2006–2007)
Tunstall released a new acoustic album in May 2006, KT Tunstall's Acoustic Extravaganza, which was first only available via mail order from her website. The album was re-released in stores worldwide in October 2006.
Tunstall sang with Scottish band Travis on their 2007 album "The Boy With No Name", on the track "Under The Moonlight", a song written by Susie Hug (late of Katydids).
Drastic Fantastic (2007–2008)
Tunstall's third album, Drastic Fantastic, premiered on 3 September 2007 in Scotland, followed a week later on 10 September 2007 with the London release for the UK and 18 September 2007, in the US. In its first week, Drastic Fantastic reached #1 on the Scottish Album Charts, #3 on the UK Charts, and #9 on the U.S. Charts. The album's lead single "Hold On" was released in August 2007, debuting at #34 in the UK, before peaking at #21 in the United Kingdom. The song was also very successful in certain European nations peaking at #19 in Italy, #19 in Norway, #26 in Switzerland and #39 in Ireland. The album's second single "Saving My Face" was released in December 2007. The song did not make the UK Top 40 Singles Charts, but however did managed to peak at #50 on the UK Singles Charts, managing 3 weeks on the UK Charts. Despite missing the UK Top 40, the song made the Top 40 in Italy, making #23 and in Switzerland peaking at #93. The album's third single, and final worldwide single, "If Only" was released in March 2008, becoming the second single from the album not to make the UK Top 40, it managed #45 in audition.
On 5 October 2007 the U.S. discount department store chain Target, in association with NBC, released a special KT Tunstall Christmas EP on CD. Sounds of the Season: The KT Tunstall Holiday Collection contains six exclusive tracks:
* "2000 Miles"
* "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"
* "Mele Kalikimaka (Christmas In Hawaii)"
* "Sleigh Ride"
* "Fairytale of New York"
* "Lonely This Christmas"
On 10 December 2007 it was released in Europe through Relentless Records as a digital download only, under the title Have Yourself A Very KT Christmas.
In 2008 KT Tunstall recorded a song for the album Songs for Survival, in support of the indigenous rights organization Survival International. In a video for Survival International, she speaks of music as being a force for good, and about what she has learned about tribal people on this project. She also discusses various issues concerning our culture of consumption and greed, our relation to the earth and the importance of indigenous rights in the world today.
Tunstall also worked with Suzanne Vega on her 2007 album Beauty & Crime, singing backup on songs "Zephyr and I" and "Frank and Ava". It was revealed in the booklet by Vega that the two had never met during the process of making the album.
Tiger Suit (2009-present)
On February 11, 2010 The Daily Record reported that, " 'KT TUNSTALL has recorded her new album in Berlin's famous Hansa studio. The studio, beside the site of the Berlin Wall, was used to make legendary albums including David Bowie's Heroes and U2's Achtung Baby. Kt said: "I had an amazing three weeks recording in Hansa in Berlin in January and am finishing it all off in London." The Scots singer, who has been quiet of late, reassured fans she has been busy. She added: "I am still very much alive and have every music-making limb and muscle working in my laboratory of fierce-new-album-ness." Before her album comes out, KT will be playing a stripped-down set at the Haiti fundraising gig at the Roundhouse in Camden on Thursday February 25. She hopes to jump up with her old pal Seasick Steve for a song or two. Kt added: "My shizzle will feature some new faces and definitely some new songs, so come and have a listen and chuck some dough at a good cause." '
According to her website, Tunstall has finished recording her third studio album. The album has been titled Tiger Suit.
Evil Eye
KT Tunstall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kind of explains it all in some peculiar way
I know it, and you know it
There's no distance gonna keep you safe
It was an evil eye (Watching you)
Got an evil eye (Look at you)
It was an evil eye (Watching you)
Teaching you lessons and now I'm meant to behave
While you change like a season inside a single day
You want me to, be more like you
But you're never gonna get your way
'Cuz there's an evil eye (Watching you)
There's an evil eye (Look at you)
There's an evil eye (Watching you)
There's an evil eye (Cuts right through)
Judge away
Cover parts of me you don't deem worthy of your love
But beware
There's power beyond measure when I
There's no danger you'll be left on the shelf
For you're the poster boy for falling in love yourself
But one's only gonna get lonely
Let the light into that crack in your shell
'Cuz you got an evil eye (Watching you)
Got an evil eye (Look at you)
Got an evil eye (Watching you)
Got an evil eye (Cuts right through)
Cuts right through you
Cuts right through you
Cuts right through you
Can't you see?
Until I know you're sorry there's an arrow for your chest
God help me
Tell a different story and put my heart at rest
Well there's an evil eye (Watching you)
Got an evil eye (Look at you)
There's an evil eye (Watching you)
Got an evil eye (Cuts right through)
In these lyrics, KT Tunstall explores a tumultuous relationship in which there is a lack of communication and understanding. The first verse portrays a sense of frustration, as the singer expresses the feeling that their words are not being heard or taken seriously by their partner. This lack of attentiveness is seen as a factor that contributes to the problems they are facing.
The chorus brings forth the concept of the "evil eye," representing a watchful and critical gaze upon the singer. It implies that the partner is constantly observing and scrutinizing their actions, potentially in a negative and judgmental manner. This creates a tense atmosphere and adds to the difficulties in the relationship. The repetition of "It was an evil eye" emphasizes the oppressive presence felt by the singer.
The second verse reflects a demand for conformity within the relationship. The singer feels pressured to change and mold themselves to fit the expectations of their partner, but they assert that they will not succumb to these demands. They affirm their individuality and independence, implying that the partner's desire for control will not be fulfilled.
The line "Cover parts of me you don't deem worthy of your love" suggests that the partner is dismissive of certain aspects of the singer's personality or experiences, creating a sense of insecurity and vulnerability. However, the singer warns the partner to be wary of underestimating their power, implying that they possess strengths and resilience that the partner may not recognize.
The bridge acknowledges the partner's fear of being alone and their inclination for constantly falling in love. However, the singer hints that this behavior will ultimately lead to loneliness. They encourage the partner to embrace vulnerability and allow their true self to be seen. By doing so, they suggest that they can heal and grow together.
The final lines reiterate the presence of the "evil eye," indicating that the partner's critical and watchful nature continues to impact the relationship. The phrase "Cuts right through you" suggests that this critical gaze pierces through the partner's facade and directly affects them, perhaps causing them emotional pain or distress.
The lyrics conclude with an appeal for an apology and a plea for a different narrative in the relationship, one that brings comfort and resolves the singer's concerns. They express a hope that their partner will change their ways and allow the singer's heart to finally find peace and reassurance.
Line by Line Meaning
Say you don't listen to every word that I say
You ignore and disregard the things I say to you
Kind of explains it all in some peculiar way
This behavior of yours clarifies everything in a strange manner
I know it, and you know it
Both of us are aware of this fact
There's no distance gonna keep you safe
No matter how far apart we are, you will not be protected from the consequences
It was an evil eye (Watching you)
There was a malicious intent behind the way I observed you
Got an evil eye (Look at you)
I possess a malevolent gaze directed towards you
Teaching you lessons and now I'm meant to behave
I taught you lessons, now you expect me to conform to your standards
While you change like a season inside a single day
You constantly undergo changes and transformations within a short span of time
You want me to be more like you
You desire for me to resemble your own character
But you're never gonna get your way
However, you will never achieve your desired outcome
'Cuz there's an evil eye (Watching you)
Because I possess a malevolent gaze directed towards you
There's an evil eye (Look at you)
I have a malicious intent behind the way I observe you
There's an evil eye (Cuts right through)
There is a harmful intention behind my observations that deeply affects you
Judge away
Go ahead and pass judgment on me
Cover parts of me you don't deem worthy of your love
You hide and disregard parts of me that you believe are not deserving of your love
But beware
However, be cautious
There's power beyond measure when I
I possess immense power beyond what can be quantified
There's no danger you'll be left on the shelf
There is no risk of you being left alone and unwanted
For you're the poster boy for falling in love yourself
Because you are the perfect example of someone who easily falls in love
But one's only gonna get lonely
However, relying solely on romantic relationships will result in loneliness
Let the light into that crack in your shell
Allow positivity and enlightenment to enter the vulnerable parts of your personality
'Cuz you got an evil eye (Watching you)
Because you possess a malevolent gaze directed towards others
Got an evil eye (Look at you)
You possess a malicious intent behind the way you observe others
Cuts right through you
It deeply affects and harms you
Can't you see?
Are you not able to perceive?
Until I know you're sorry there's an arrow for your chest
I will continue to hold a grudge against you until I receive a sincere apology
God help me
I plead for divine assistance
Tell a different story and put my heart at rest
Provide me with a new narrative that brings peace to my heart
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KT TUNSTALL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Milana Supernova
LYRICS
Say you don't listen to every word that I say
Kind of explains it all in some peculiar way
I know it, and you know it
There's no distance gonna keep you safe
It was an evil eye (Watching you)
Got an evil eye (Look at you)
It was an evil eye (Watching you)
Got an evil eye (Cuts right through)
Teaching you lessons and now I'm meant to behave
While you change like a season inside a single day
You want me to, be more like you
But you're never gonna get your way
'Cuz there's an evil eye (Watching you)
There's an evil eye (Look at you)
There's an evil eye (Watching you)
There's an evil eye (Cuts right through)
Judge away
Cover parts of me you don't deem worthy of your love
But beware
There's power beyond measure when I [?]
There's no danger you'll be left on the shelf
For you're the poster boy for falling in love yourself
But one's only gonna get lonely
Let the light into that crack in your shell
'Cuz you got an evil eye (Watching you)
Got an evil eye (Look at you)
Got an evil eye (Watching you)
Got an evil eye (Cuts right through)
Cuts right through you
Cuts right through you
Cuts right through you
Can't you see?
Until I know you're sorry there's an arrow for your chest
God help me
Tell a different story and put my heart at rest
Well there's an evil eye (Watching you)
Got an evil eye (Look at you)
There's an evil eye (Watching you)
Got an evil eye (Cuts right through)
Anibal Molina
I love this woman. She's a real genius, as always!!!
Marcio Bonetto
Your voice gets stronger and better with the years Kt :) you are a trully amazing artist. We love your music baby!
Charles Douglas
FANTÁSTICA COMO SEMPRE <3 EU TE AMO, KT TUNSTALL! VEM PRO BRASIL LOGO!!!!!!!
Camila Lysak
Nossa! Um sonho ver essa mulher ao vivo!
LordRandal1990
I don't usually like songs at first listen. I did with this one!
Tamra Armstrong
It's kt tunstall so it stands to reason that you liked it upon the first listen.
Vince F
This album is so much more upbeat than her last album, Invisible Empire. Invisible Empire is so personal and heartfelt, and is my most favorite Tunstall album thus far
Cats1357911
To be honest I love all her music it just leaves me wanting more her voice is like chicken soup for the soul
Vince F
Definitely. Especially when you know KT is capable of so much more
Caayotee
@Vince F Gotta agree. Tiger suit also happens to be my least favorite of her albums for apparently the same reason.