Her influences are varied, including Nina Simone, Nick Drake, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Simon and Garfunkel, and Velvet Underground. She has sung with Badmarsh & Shri album and worked with Twisted Nerve artist Pedro.
Her album, Leave to Remain, was greeted with critical acclaim, and her earlier Little Black Numbers was nominated for a Grammy award.
In 2010 Williams collaborated with former Delicate Vomit member Anna Spencer as The Crayonettes on the album Playing Out - Songs for Children and Robots
In 2012 she launched a new project called 'The Pond.'
A trio with Simon Edwards and Ginny Clee, the project mixed by Portishead’s Adrian Utley.
Thirteen
Kathryn Williams Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Won't you let me meet you at the pool?
Maybe Friday I can get tickets for the dance
And I'll take you
Won't you tell your dad, "Get off my back"?
Tell him what we said about 'Paint it black'
Rock 'n' roll is here to stay
Won't you tell me what you're thinking of?
Would you be an outlaw for my love?
If it's so, well, let me know
If it's no, well, I can go, I won't make you
The lyrics to Kathryn Williams’s song Thirteen encapsulate the feelings of young love and the potential of a new relationship. The first verse expresses the desire to spend more time with the person of interest, asking if they could walk them home from school or meet them at the pool. The second verse shows the rebellious side of young love, encouraging the person to stand up to their dad and embrace the rebelliousness of rock ‘n’ roll. The final verse asks for clarity in the person’s feelings, offering the option to stay or go depending on their response.
The lyrics convey emotions that are universal to everyone regardless of age, as we can all relate to the excitement of new relationships, the desire for rebellion and the need for clarity. Williams captures the joy and uncertainty that comes with youth, the excitement of new experiences, and the importance of honesty to make sure everyone is on the same page.
The song was originally written by Big Star, an American rock band. Williams' version received critical acclaim and was featured in the soundtrack of the movie "A Walk to Remember".
Line by Line Meaning
Won't you let me walk you home from school?
Can I walk you home from school as a gesture of love and care?
Won't you let me meet you at the pool?
Can I join you at the pool and spend some time with you?
Maybe Friday I can get tickets for the dance
And I'll take you
I'm planning to take you to the dance, would you be interested?
Won't you tell your dad, "Get off my back"?
Tell him what we said about 'Paint it black'
Could you ask your dad to trust us and not interfere, and we had a conversation about 'Paint it black'
Rock 'n' roll is here to stay
Come inside where it's okay and I'll shake you
Rock 'n' roll is not bad, come inside where it's allowed and I'll dance with you
Won't you tell me what you're thinking of?
Could you share what's on your mind with me?
Would you be an outlaw for my love?
Would you be willing to take risks for our love?
If it's so, well, let me know
If it's no, well, I can go, I won't make you
If you feel the same way, tell me, and if not, it's okay, I won't force you
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alex Chilton, Christopher Bell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Richard Andersen
I love the Big Star and and how great is Williams version - superb. Love
Barry Lamb
The best cover of this song that I have heard