Kiki Dee began singing with a local band in Bradford in the early 1960s. Her recording career began as a session singer. She sang backing vocals for Dusty Springfield, among others, and was highly regarded by other singers but did not achieve solo success in the UK for many years. In the USA, her style was admired and she became the first British artist to be signed by Tamla Motown, releasing her first Tamla single in 1970.
In the days before Radio 1 Kiki Dee was a regular performer of other people's hits on BBC radio, and she starred with a group of session singers in the BBC2 singalong series One More Time. Nevertheless, it was only after she joined forces with Elton John and Rocket Records that she became a household name in the UK. Her first major hits were "I Got The Music In Me" (1974) and "Amoureuse" (1973) [1].
Don't go breaking my heart (With Elton John) - 1976 Star - 1981 True love (with Elton John) - 1994
She has released 39 singles, 3 EPs, 9 LPs and 2 CDs to date. During the 1970s and 1980s was regularly voted the top UK female singer, with her powerful and soulful voice equally suited to rockers or ballads.
Kiki Dee has also appeared in musical theatre - notably in the lead role in the West End musical Blood Brothers. She took on the role (originally played by Barbara Dickson for the 1988 production and recording).
She also performed at Live Aid, reprising "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with John, and performing backing vocals on the other songs in his set.
She still tours, and occasionally makes guest appearances on television in shows such as Never Mind the Buzzcocks. She has recorded with other artists such as Dave Stewart and guitarist Carmelo Luggeri.
Supercool
Kiki Dee Lyrics
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Said, "Hey, babe, do you want to dance with me?"
And I noticed that you acted kind of funky,
As if somehow you were trying to be
Supercool, no one's fool, just a rolling stone
Acting out your party piece
In Valentino tones.
Smoking untipped cigarettes
And calling me a doll,
Sometimes I really wonder
If you're happening at all
Oh, supercool, I gotta lose you
And your hip asides,
All this fair out, yeah, yeah, right on, baby,
Teenage talking jive.
Supercool, go back to school,
Let's keep the whole thing clean,
As you would say in your sweet way,
You're really not my scene.
You cocked your brand-new felt hat to one side
Like Bogart used to do on the screen,
You've got to realize that I'm a big girl,
Older enough to know you're early in your teens.
In Kiki Dee's song Supercool, the singer tells the story of a cool guy who approaches her and asks her to dance with him. Despite his efforts to impress her with his funky ways, she realizes that he is not as supercool as he thinks he is. She sees through his act and criticizes him for calling her a doll and smoking untipped cigarettes. She concludes that he's just a typical teenager talking jive and decides that she needs to lose him as he's not her scene.
The song is a commentary on the social dynamics at play among young people in the 60s and 70s. It speaks to the idea that many people (especially young people) try to put on a facade to impress others and fit in with the cool crowd. The singer suggests that it's better to just be yourself rather than trying to be someone you're not.
Overall, the sentiment of the song is relatable and the lyrics are witty and catchy. Kiki Dee's strong vocals and the upbeat, rock and roll rhythm of the song make it a classic that still resonates with fans today.
Line by Line Meaning
You came walking by where I was sitting pretty,
You approached me while I was minding my own business, looking attractive.
Said, "Hey, babe, do you want to dance with me?"
You asked me if I wanted to dance with you.
And I noticed that you acted kind of funky,
I observed that you behaved strangely.
As if somehow you were trying to be
As though you were attempting to be something.
Supercool, no one's fool, just a rolling stone
Extremely fashionable, intelligent, and a drifter without a fixed abode.
Acting out your party piece
Exhibiting a rehearsed and practiced behavior for entertaining others.
In Valentino tones.
In clothing or colors related to brand Valentino.
Smoking untipped cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes without filters attached.
And calling me a doll,
Addressing me in a way that suggests I am only a pretty and charming toy.
Sometimes I really wonder
Occasionally, I am curious.
If you're happening at all
If you are genuinely and currently existing in the present moment.
Oh, supercool, I gotta lose you
Oh, impressively fashionable person, I have to separate myself from you.
And your hip asides,
And your clever, casual remarks.
All this fair out, yeah, yeah, right on, baby,
Exaggerating to show enthusiasm and agreement.
Teenage talking jive.
Slang and jargon characteristic of adolescents.
Supercool, go back to school,
Extremely fashionable person, return to your educational institution.
Let's keep the whole thing clean,
Let us maintain a respectful and honorable relationship.
As you would say in your sweet way,
Phrased as you would say, speaking pleasantly.
You're really not my scene.
You do not fit my interests, preferences, or taste.
You cocked your brand-new felt hat to one side
You tilted your new hat made of felt to an angle.
Like Bogart used to do on the screen,
In a manner associated with actor Humphrey Bogart's iconic style in film.
You've got to realize that I'm a big girl,
You must comprehend that I am an adult woman who behaves responsibly.
Older enough to know you're early in your teens.
Mature enough to understand that you are young and inexperienced.
Contributed by Nicholas I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.