Bush began writing songs at 11. She was signed to EMI Records after Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour helped produce a demo tape. Her debut album, The Kick Inside, was released in 1978. Bush slowly gained artistic independence in album production and has produced all her studio albums since The Dreaming (1982). She took a hiatus between her seventh and eighth albums, The Red Shoes (1993) and Aerial (2005). Bush drew attention again in 2014 with her concert residency Before the Dawn, her first show since 1979's The Tour of Life.
The TV series "Stranger Things" used Bush's "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)" in Season 4. As a result of the resurgence of interest, in 2022 the song reached #1 on the UK charts, 37 years after its initial release, and generated 100s of millions of streams.
Bush's eclectic and experimental musical style, unconventional lyrics, performances, and literary themes have influenced a diverse range of artists. She has been nominated for 13 British Phonographic Industry accolades, winning for Best British Female Artist in 1987, and has been nominated for three Grammy Awards. In 2002, Bush was recognized with an Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. Bush was appointed a CBE in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to music. She was nominated three times for induction in the 2018, 2021, and 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Not This Time
Kate Bush Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What chance do I have here?
Put an end, put an end,
Put an end to every dream.
When you're near, I fear you,
And I forget myself.
But not this time.
Not this time, baby,
Not this time.
I don't know why I give in, but I do every time.
And here I am wondering why I did it again.
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay's what I say
To keep me going,
To keep the shit away.
I don't know what it is,
But every time you're near, I fear you,
And I forget myself.
No, not this time, baby.
Not this time, you won't.
Not this time, darling.
c'mon, we all sing:
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o,
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o,
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o,
Not this time.
In Kate Bush's song Not This Time, the lyrics depict the feelings of someone who is struggling with their own vulnerability in the presence of another person. The singer's mind is described as rendering everything sensitive, and they feel as though they don't have a chance against the overwhelming emotions they are experiencing. They are aware of the power dynamic at play and are pleading with the other person to put an end to every dream - to spare them the heartache of getting lost in their feelings once again. They admit to giving in to this person every time and wondering why they did it again, yet they know they need to keep going despite the pain. There is a moment of defiance as the singer repeats "not this time" several times, asserting their agency and refusing to give in to the same cycle once again.
The repetition of the phrase "too-ree-ay, too-ree-o" in the chorus is interesting because it doesn't have a clear meaning. Kate Bush has described it as a "lifeline" - something to hold onto when everything else feels overwhelming. The song was originally recorded during the sessions for Bush's third album, "Never For Ever," but was left off the album and released as a b-side for the single "Breathing." It was eventually re-released on the compilation album "This Woman's Work: Anthology 1978-1990." The song features a prominent bassline played by the late Scottish musician John Giblin, who would go on to play bass on many of Bush's songs throughout her career. The song was used in the soundtrack for the 1982 film "The Year of Living Dangerously," starring Sigourney Weaver and Mel Gibson. Notable covers of the song include a version by Rasputina and a live performance by Florence + the Machine.
Chords: The chords for this song are not available as Kate Bush writes all her songs for piano and has never published any cords for guitar.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, with a mind that renders everything sensitive,
My mind is extremely sensitive and affects my perception of everything.
What chance do I have here?
I am questioning my ability to handle this situation.
Put an end, put an end,
I want to stop everything.
Put an end to every dream.
I want to give up all my hopes and aspirations.
When you're near, I fear you,
I am afraid of you and what you might do to me.
And I forget myself.
I lose my own identity when I am around you.
But not this time.
This time I will not give in.
Not this time.
I will not make the same mistake again.
Not this time, baby,
I am determined to resist this time.
I don't know why I give in, but I do every time.
I struggle to resist despite the inevitable outcome.
And here I am wondering why I did it again.
I am regretful of my past choices.
To keep me going,
I need motivation to keep on pushing through.
To keep the shit away.
I need to keep away from the negativity that surrounds me.
I don't know what it is,
I am unsure what the reason for my fear is.
Not this time, baby.
I will not be a victim this time.
Not this time, you won't.
You will not control me this time.
Not this time, darling.
I will not be swayed by your charms this time.
c'mon, we all sing:
Let's all join in and sing together!
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o,
We chant to keep our spirits up and carry on.
Not this time.
This time we will stay strong and fight back.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
bryann end
Oh, with a mind that renders everything sensitive,
What chance do I have here?
Put an end, put an end,
Put an end to every dream.
When you're near, I fear you,
And I forget myself.
But not this time.
Not this time.
Not this time, baby,
Not this time.
I don't know why I give in, but I do every time.
And here I am wondering why I did it again.
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay's what I say
To keep me going,
To keep the shit away.
I don't know what it is,
But every time you're near, I fear you,
And I forget myself.
No, not this time, baby.
Not this time, you won't.
Not this time, darling.
C'mon, we all sing:
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o,
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o,
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o,
Paul Wilde
That is such an epically sombre opening. Even though it was written 7 or 8 years before The Red Shoes, I feel that this belongs as the closing song of The Red Shoes, after You're the One- because that album is supposed to be somewhat 'poppy' but it could use a bit more upbeatedness - and You Want Alchemy belongs as an extra track on Aerial.
ivana havitoff
NOT included on her remastered collection. ULTIMATE SHADE OF KATE! this song is perfection
Nohea Mike
Fortunately I have it on some (bootleg?) vinyl, double album called "Passing Through Air."
Brian Cormack Carr
Yes, I can believe this isn't included - it's my second-favourite of her b-sides after Under The Ivy.
craigieboy2001
This woman is out of this world. I can never find the words to express how amazing she is. I just love her. Long live Queen Kate
Patrick Destain
I paid a fortune for This woman's work box set. I don't regret it. It is called addiction
Stacey Hernandez
I did the same!!!! There should be a Kate Bush Religion! I'd gladly worship at her alter.
Sharma La Montserrat
I just love this. Should have been a single. So blessed to have Kate's music.
bryann end
Oh, with a mind that renders everything sensitive,
What chance do I have here?
Put an end, put an end,
Put an end to every dream.
When you're near, I fear you,
And I forget myself.
But not this time.
Not this time.
Not this time, baby,
Not this time.
I don't know why I give in, but I do every time.
And here I am wondering why I did it again.
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay's what I say
To keep me going,
To keep the shit away.
I don't know what it is,
But every time you're near, I fear you,
And I forget myself.
No, not this time, baby.
Not this time, you won't.
Not this time, darling.
C'mon, we all sing:
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o,
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o,
Too-ree-ay, too-ree-o, too-ree-ay, too-ree-o,
Luca adami
I remember I was soooo in love with this song but the record got broken and never found it again...It's a marvellous track