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.
The Craft Of Life
Kate Bush Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All of the potions, from oysters to seducing smiles.
But I've found it's already inside me:
A big round bubble of sensuality,
Dared to be burst,
But worried about getting hurt.
I know how you like to kiss.
I'll ask you what you're thinking.
The sheets are soaked by your tiny fish.
The craft of life,
The craft of life,
The craft of life,
The craft of life,
Oo-ooh...
Tears spring to mind when I go back in time.
All those lost bodies just seeking security.
Jittering strangers with smutting hands,
Heavy and clever and full of demands.
Well I'm similar to you:
We're familiar with what to do.
I know how you like to kiss.
I'll ask you what you're thinking.
Silvers in our dark hair.
The sheets are soaked by your tiny fish.
The craft of life,
The craft of life,
The craft of life,
The craft of life,
Oo-ooh...
In "The Craft of Life," Kate Bush reflects on her own journey of trying to study sensuality and the craft of life itself. She touches on the common themes of human connection, relationship, and intimacy. Bush sings about how she's tried learning about seduction through studying various methods but has come to realize that the answer lies within herself. She compares sensuality to a big, round bubble waiting to be burst but expresses concern about the possible hurt that may come with it.
The second verse of the song takes a more melancholic turn as Bush reflects on lost loves and the struggle for human connection. The lyrics suggest that people go through life seeking stability and security but only find others who are equally as lost and looking for direction. Despite this, Bush asserts that she is familiar with the struggle and the shared experience of human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I tried to study it for just a while:
I dedicated a brief amount of time to studying the art of living.
All of the potions, from oysters to seducing smiles.
I explored all forms of seduction, from aphrodisiac foods to striking grins.
But I've found it's already inside me:
I realized that sensuality existed within me all along.
A big round bubble of sensuality,
My sensuality is vast and all-encompassing.
Dared to be burst,
I am willing to take risks and explore.
But worried about getting hurt.
Yet I still fear the possibility of getting hurt.
I know how you like to kiss.
I am familiar with your kissing preferences.
I'll ask you what you're thinking.
I am curious about your thoughts and feelings.
Silvers in our dark hair.
We both have graying hair, a sign of aging and experience.
The sheets are soaked by your tiny fish.
Our lovemaking has left the sheets wet and tousled.
The craft of life,
The art of living.
Oo-ooh...
Tears spring to mind when I go back in time.
Memories of the past evoke emotions and tears.
All those lost bodies just seeking security.
The people we once were sought safety and security in life.
Jittering strangers with smutting hands,
We encountered unfamiliar people with crude intentions.
Heavy and clever and full of demands.
These people were often imposing and self-serving.
Well I'm similar to you:
I can relate to your experiences.
We're familiar with what to do.
We have become familiar with how to navigate life's challenges.
The craft of life,
The art of living.
Oo-ooh...
Contributed by Ava P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@KikiVolle
Oh, I'm so glad I found this little treasure - look up "Kate Bush phoenix recordings" for more lovelies ppl! Word is, she recorded 200 in the early years... still going strong, we'll always love you Kate! xxx ooo
@nellies
Just as I think I've heard all her demos I find this, one of my new favorites. This is so beautiful.
@RaymondPeckIII
The Cathy Demos boots are full of astounding music. . .
@marynikoloff
Wonderful Kate 💚 x
@datukaruma1563
Still love ot all thses years later, no one comes close
@ruteparedes
oh my goodness.... i have no words.... this is so beautiful. thank you thank you thank you
@chucks1255
Wow this is like the first time I heard the Kick inside, at first I thought it was ok then suddenly it's all I think about
@simplyron6359
You get the feeling that she knew all along this was all meant to happen. And I think "The Universe" had it all figured out a long time ago.
@theawkwards
yeah, baby! this is the best of her early demos i've heard thus far....but of course they're all great.
@joelilly9389
Many of the songs you already sing remind me of the Kraft of life. There was good moments of 2020 too, great ones even, hailey westerna introduced me to kate bush, I heard more of john denver, my new rose neice was born, and some of us still believe......