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.
Sleigh Ride
KT Tunstall Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Those sleigh bells
Jingle-ing
Ring ting
Tingle-ing too
Come on
It's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride
Outside
The snow is falling
And friends
Are calling "you hoo"
Come on
It's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride
Together with you
Giddy-yap, giddy-yap
Giddy-yap, let's go
Let's look at the show
We're riding
In a wonderland of snow
Giddy-yap, giddy-yap
Ggiddy-yap, it's grand
Just holding your hand
We're gliding along
With the song
Of a wintry fairy land
Our cheeks are nice
And rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up
Together like two birds
Of a feather would be
Let's take the road
Before us
And sing a chorus or two
Come on
It's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride
Together with you
There's a birthday party
At the home of Farmer Gray
It'll be the perfect ending
Of a perfect day
We'll be singing the songs
We love to sing
Without a single stop
At the fireplace
While we watch
The chestnuts pop
Pop, pop, pop
Just hear
Those sleigh bells
Jingle-ing
Ring ting
Tingle-ing too
Come on
It's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride
Together with you
There's a happy feeling
Nothing in the world
Can buy
When they pass around
The coffee
And the pumpkin pie
It'll nearly
Be like a picture print
By Currier and Ives
These wonderful things
Are the things
We remember all through
Our lives
Our cheeks are nice
And rosy
And comfy cozy are we
We're snuggled up
Together like two birds
Of a feather would be
Let's take
The road before us
And sing
A chorus or two
Come on
It's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride
Together with you
Just hear
Those sleigh bells
Jingle-ing
Ring ting
Tingle-ing too
Come on
It's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride
Together with you
Outside the snow
Is falling
And friends
Are calling "you hoo"
Come on
It's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride
Together with you
Come on
It's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride
Together with you
Come on
It's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride
Together with you
The lyrics to KT Tunstall’s “Sleigh Ride” expresses the excitement and joy of a sleigh ride during a snowy winter day with the one you love. The song begins with the sound of sleigh bells ringing and jingling, which sets the tone for a whimsical and lighthearted ride. The first verse sets the stage for the sleigh ride and establishes the idea of joining together with a loved one to enjoy the beautiful winter weather. The second verse highlights the fact that they are in a “wonderland of snow” and they are enjoying the ride together.
The chorus of the song emphasizes the excitement and giddiness of the ride with phrases such as “Giddy-yap, let’s go” and “giddy-yap, it’s grand”. The chorus also emphasizes the importance of being together with a loved one when experiencing such a beautiful and joyful moment. The third verse takes the listener inside where they are warming up by the fire and enjoying traditional winter treats such as coffee and pumpkin pie, creating a cozy and comforting atmosphere. The song ends with a repetition of the opening lyrics, emphasizing the return of the sleigh ride and the joy of experiencing it with someone they love.
Line by Line Meaning
Just hear
Pay attention to what's happening around you
Those sleigh bells
The sound of the sleigh bells indicate a joyful and exciting experience
Jingle-ing
The bells are ringing and producing a jingling sound
Ring ting
In addition to the jingling sound, the bells have a light and delicate tone
Tingle-ing too
Feeling a sense of joy and enthusiasm
Come on
Encouragement to participate in this fun activity
It's lovely weather
The weather is perfect and ideal for this activity
For a sleigh ride
To take a ride on a sleigh
Together with you
With a partner or friend for added enjoyment and shared experience
Outside
Referring to the environment beyond the indoors
The snow is falling
Snowflakes are descending from the sky
And friends
Shared experience with companions and loved ones
Are calling "you hoo"
They want to get your attention and join in on the activity
Giddy-yap, giddy-yap
The command for the horses to start moving
Giddy-yap, let's go
An expression of excitement and enthusiasm to start the ride
Let's look at the show
Observing the beautiful scenery and environment
We're riding
Actively participating in the sleigh ride
In a wonderland of snow
A beautiful and enchanting environment of snow
Giddy-yap, it's grand
An exclamation of excitement and enjoyment during the ride
Just holding your hand
Being in the company of a loved one, cherished friend or partner
We're gliding along
Smoothly and effortlessly moving across the snow
With the song
Complemented by the sound of the sleigh bells and the harmony of the environment
Of a wintry fairy land
A magical environment that looks like it could only belong in a fairy tale
Our cheeks are nice
Their face is pleasantly rosy due to the cold weather
And rosy
The warm sensation created by the shared experience and physical heat
And comfy cozy are we
Feeling a sense of comfort due to the cozy environment and shared company
We're snuggled up
Wrapped in a warm embrace with a loved one, cherished friend or partner
Together like two birds
Metaphor for two people who are always together and in tune with each other
Of a feather would be
Sharing the same characteristics and traits as each other
Let's take the road
Choosing a path to follow together
Before us
Referring to the path ahead and the possibilities it presents
And sing a chorus or two
Enjoying each other's company and singing along to favorite songs
There's a birthday party
Referring to a festive and celebratory event
At the home of Farmer Gray
Location of the party or the home of someone who has invited you
It'll be the perfect ending
A fulfulling way to end a memorable day
Of a perfect day
Referring to a day full of enjoyable experiences
We'll be singing the songs
Joining in singing the tunes you love
We love to sing
Being in a place and with people who share the same interests as you do
Without a single stop
Continuing to enjoy the moment without interruption or hindrance
At the fireplace
A warm and cozy place to continue celebrating and unwinding with friends and loved ones
While we watch
A passive activity to observe and enjoy the moment
The chestnuts pop
The sound and smell of chestnuts popping over the fire
Pop, pop, pop
Repeating the sound they make for emphasis
There's a happy feeling
Experiencing a sense of joy and happiness
Nothing in the world
No material thing has the capacity to generate this feeling
Can buy
Not available for purchase, and therefore priceless
When they pass around
Referring to the act of sharing something with people around you
The coffee
The beverage that is being shared and enjoyed
And the pumpkin pie
Another treat or culinary delight enjoyed in good company
It'll nearly
The event is almost like a picture perfect moment
Be like a picture print
A picturesque moment that feels like it's taken from a painting
By Currier and Ives
A reference to American artists who created lithographs of Americana scenes
These wonderful things
The collective joy, happiness, and sense of well-being they get from the experience
Are the things
These joyful moments and experiences
We remember all through
These moments that will last in our memories for a long time
Our lives
Reminiscing and treasuring these experiences throughout our entire existence
Come on
Encouraging participation and mutual enjoyment
Together with you
Together with someone special, sharing unforgettable experiences in life
Writer(s): Mitchell Parish, Leroy Anderson
Contributed by Christian M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.