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.
Walk Straight Down The Middle
Kate Bush Lyrics
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Can't move my legs
Can't say no
I can't say yes
Can't help myself
I need your help
(We go)
Now we just can't move?
We're calling out for Middle Street
(We go)
Oh, ooh, what do we do
Now we just can't move?
We hang on to every line
And walk straight down the middle of it
He thought he was gonna die
But he didn't
She thought she just couldn't cope
But she did
We thought it would be so hard
But it wasn't
It wasn't easy, though!
I can't say yes
I can't say no
Can't begin
Can't let go
Help me now
(We go)
Ooh, ooh, what do we do
Now we just can't move?
We're calling out for Middle Street
(We go)
Ooh, ooh, what do we do
Now we just can't move?
We hang on to every line
And walk straight down the middle of it
He thought he was gonna die
But he didn't
She thought she could never cope
But she did
And we thought it was all over
But it wasn't
It hadn't started yet
And walk straight down the middle of it
And walk straight down the middle of it
Calling out for Middle Street
Calling out for Middle Street
Walking straight down the middle of it
The lyrics of Kate Bush's song Walk Straight Down the Middle describe a feeling of being stuck, unable to make decisions or take action without the help of someone else. The repetition of phrases like "Can't move my arms, can't move my legs, can't say yes, can't say no," creates a sense of paralysis and powerlessness. The call for "Middle Street" is a symbol of a safe haven, a place where one can overcome this feeling of helplessness and find the strength to move forward. The chorus, "We hang on to every line and walk straight down the middle of it," suggests that even though life may not be easy, and challenges may arise, with perseverance and the support of others, it is possible to overcome them and continue on.
The song's verses are filled with contradictory statements, such as "He thought he was gonna die, but he didn't; she thought she just couldn't cope, but she did." These contradictions add complexity to the song's message, suggesting that things are not always as they seem and that there is often more to a situation than what appears on the surface. The lyrics also use repetition to emphasize the message, highlighting the importance of coming together and seeking help when feeling stuck.
Line by Line Meaning
Can't move my arms
I'm physically stuck, I can't move my arms.
Can't move my legs
I'm physically stuck, I can't move my legs.
Can't say no
I feel powerless and unable to refuse something I don't want to do.
I can't say yes
I feel powerless and unable to consent to something I want to do.
Can't help myself
I need assistance because I am unable to help myself.
I need your help
I require your assistance to get through this situation.
Oh, ooh, what do we do
Now we just can't move?
We're calling out for Middle Street
We're stuck and looking for guidance to help us move forward.
We hang on to every line
And walk straight down the middle of it
We pay close attention to the details in order to navigate the situation with care and caution.
He thought he was gonna die
But he didn't
He feared the worst, but things didn't turn out as badly as he expected.
She thought she just couldn't cope
But she did
She doubted her ability to handle the situation, but proved herself capable.
We thought it would be so hard
But it wasn't
We expected the situation to be difficult, but it turned out to be easier than anticipated.
It wasn't easy, though!
Despite it not being as bad as we feared, it was still challenging.
Can't begin
Can't let go
Help me now
I'm stuck in a state of indecision and need someone to guide me forward.
And we thought it was all over
But it wasn't
It hadn't started yet
We believed we had reached the end of the situation, but it turned out there was more to come.
And walk straight down the middle of it
Calling out for Middle Street
We continue on with caution, seeking guidance and support as we navigate the situation.
Walking straight down the middle of it
We continue to navigate the situation carefully, paying attention to each detail.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KATE BUSH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind