Peyroux started singing at the age of fifteen, when she discovered street musicians in the Latin Quarter in Paris. She joined a group called the Riverboat Shufflers, first passing round the hat, and then singing. At sixteen she joined the The Lost Wandering Blues and Jazz Band, spending two years touring Europe performing songs by the likes of Fats Waller, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and others, which provided the basis for her first album, Dreamland.
Dreamland was released in 1996, and gained widespread attention. Time called it "the most exciting, involving vocal performance by a new singer this year". Dreamland, is a brilliant recording, as Peyroux's distinctive voice is not hindered by overly intricate arrangements. Most of the accompaniment on the record is light and sparse, the way it should be for a singer with such a unique voice. Peyroux soon found herself opening for Sarah McLachlan and Cesária Évora, and made appearances at jazz festivals and on the Lilith Fair tour.
In May 2002 she joined multi-instrumentalist William Galison, and together they appeared at such venues as the Bottom Line, Joe's Pub, and the Tin Angel. In 2003 the duo released a seven-song EP entitled Got You on My Mind, which they sold at shows and online. Got You on My Mind was re-released by William Galison in August 2004; the original EP was expanded by the addition of four tracks by Gallison.
Peyroux released her own sophomore effort, Careless Love, in September 2004. The album received generally positive reviews.
Her new album, Half the Perfect World, was released on September 12, 2006. She collaborated with several artists, including Jesse Harris, Walter Becker, Larry Klein (who also produced the album), and K.d. lang, with whom Peyroux duets on a cover of the Joni Mitchell song, "River".
On July 12, 2007, she was awarded Best International Jazz Artist at the BBC Jazz Awards.
My Sister Kate
Madeleine Peyroux Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shake it like jelly on a plate
My mama wanted to know last night
How sister Kate could do it oh so nice
Now, all the boys in the neighborhood
Knew Kate could shimmy, and it's almost good
I may be late but I'll be up to date
When I can shimmy like my sister Kate
(Repeat X2)
The song "My Sister Kate" by Madeleine Peyroux is a playful and upbeat tune that idolizes Kate, the singer's sister, for her unique talent of shimmying. The lyrics convey a sense of admiration and longing to be like her. The song opens with the singer professing her wish to shimmy like Kate and expresses her fascination with how Kate shakes it like jelly on a plate. Even the singer's mother is amazed by her sister's talent and wants to know how she does it so well. The boys in the neighborhood all know about Kate's ability to shimmy, and the singer wants to be just like her, to be up to date, and to take part in all the fun.
The song's lyrics convey a sense of fun, light-heartedness, and admiration for Kate's unique talent. The singer wishes to be like her sister, emulating her shimmying and the confidence that comes with it. The song also suggests a coming of age or a moment of self-realization as the singer expresses her desire to be up to date and be like her sister Kate, who is seen as a role model. The song is catchy, and its upbeat rhythm and jazzy tune make it a perfect party song.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I wish I could shimmy like my sister Kate
I desire to dance like my sister Kate, with a smooth and sensual movement that captivates an audience.
Shake it like jelly on a plate
Move my body in a way that is fluid and effortless, like a plate of jiggling jelly.
My mama wanted to know last night
My mother was curious and interested in how Kate mastered the art of shimmying.
How sister Kate could do it oh so nice
My mother was impressed with how gracefully and beautifully Kate could shimmy.
Now, all the boys in the neighborhood
The male residents of our community were aware of Kate's dancing abilities and were captivated by her movements.
Knew Kate could shimmy, and it's almost good
Everyone knew and recognized that Kate was a skilled and talented dancer.
I may be late but I'll be up to date
Although I may not have learned to shimmy yet, I will eventually catch up and become current with the latest dance moves.
When I can shimmy like my sister Kate
I will feel accomplished and proud when I am able to shimmy as skillfully and gracefully as my sister Kate.
I mean, shake it like my sister Kate...
To clarify my desire, I simply want to move my body with the same fluidity and finesse as my sister Kate.
Contributed by Elizabeth F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ruth music
Madeleine puts her own spin on this song!Does it well!I do totally love Judith Durham's version also!So good!
Actually,I love Tim O'Briens version the best!!!!!
RoYT
It's a song from the '20's, and the shimmy was a dance. It's still being enjoyed! She puts a great spin on it.
Mary Fletcher
I thought it was the way some people can shake their shoulders.
john parkinson
What a talent.Everything she does is good.
daf827
She truly is a timeless artist.
Blaq Berry
Are you dead now
Willemijn B.
Fantastic music--- you can dance or listen. and... you can hear the WORDS she is singing that is not happening these days.
orangelion03
Wow. Great chart! Love her, but that trumpet makes the song SWING!!
Mimi Thompson
Love it!
Squarerig Two
Really wonderful;what a songstress!