She is best known for her 1976 duet with Elton John, entitled "Don't Go Breaking My Heart", which went to Number 1 both in the UK Singles Chart and the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 1993 she performed another duet with Elton John for his Duets album, a cover version of Cole Porter's "True Love", which reached #2 in the UK.
Career
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 well-regarded by other singers but did not achieve solo success in the UK for many years. However, her 1965 release "Why Don't I Run Away From You" was a big hit on Radios London and Caroline in 1965, and her 1968 release, "On a Magic Carpet Ride", which was originally a B-side, has remained popular with the Northern Soul circuit. Hit songwriter Mitch Murray came up with her stage name, and also penned her first single, "Early Night".[2] In the United States she became the first white British artist to be signed by Motown,[1] releasing her first Motown single in 1970.
In the days before BBC Radio 1, Dee was a regular performer of cover versions on BBC Radio, and she starred with a group of session singers in the BBC Two singalong series, One More Time. She also appeared in an early episode of The Benny Hill Show in January 1971, performing the Blood, Sweat and Tears hit, "You've Made Me So Very Happy". Nevertheless, it was only after she signed with Elton John's Rocket Records that she became a household name in the UK. Her first major solo hits were "Amoureuse" (written by Véronique Sanson, with English lyrics by Gary Osborne) (1973) and "I've Got the Music in Me" (written by Tobias Stephen Boshell), the latter credited to the Kiki Dee Band (1974). In addition to her burgeoning career as a lead vocalist, she could sometimes be heard singing backing vocals on various Elton John recordings, such as "All the Girls Love Alice" on "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and various tracks on Rock of the Westies. Her biggest hit came when she recorded a duet with John, "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" in 1976. The single reached #1 in both the UK and US, remaining at the top for six weeks in the UK.
After a quiet period in the late 1970s, Dee launched a comeback in 1981, releasing one of her biggest hits, "Star" - a song written by Doreen Chanter of the Chanter Sisters. This later became the theme music to the BBC One programme Opportunity Knocks between 1987 and 1990. Also in 1981, Dee joined forces again with Elton John, recording a cover of the Four Tops' song "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever". Both of these were included on her album Perfect Timing, which became a modest hit on the album chart. In 1983, she supplied backing vocals to Elton John's album Too Low for Zero. Dee also sang the song "What Can't Speak Can't Lie" (1983), composed and recorded by the Japanese jazz fusion group Casiopea, and with lyrics by Gary Osborne.
In 1985 she performed at Live Aid, reprising "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with John, and performing backing vocals on the other songs in his set.
Dee has also appeared in musical theatre - notably in the lead role in Willy Russell's West End musical Blood Brothers, in which she took on the role originally played by Barbara Dickson for the 1988 production and recording. She received an Olivier Award nomination in 1989 for her acting skills. In 1990, she contributed to the last recording studio collaboration between Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson, on the album Freudiana, performing "You're On Your Own".
In 2008, Dee's first DVD was released. Under The Night Sky was a collaboration with guitarist Carmelo Luggeri, filmed live at the Bray Studios in London, and the music was produced by Ted Carfrae. That same year, several albums from her earlier 1970s-1980s Rocket catalogue were re-released by EMI Records, including an expanded edition of Almost Naked with extra tracks, including a cover of Neil Young's "Heart of Gold", and a new take on "Sugar on the Floor". The latter song had previously appeared as a full band version by Dee; a piano/vocal version (with slide guitar from Davey Johnstone) by Elton John (a bonus CD track on Rock of the Westies that was the b-side to "Island Girl"); and a jazz version by Etta James.
She has released 39 singles, three EPs and twelve albums to date. 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.
Discography
Albums
1968 I'm Kiki Dee (Fontana)
1970 Great Expectations (Motown)
1973 Loving & Free (Rocket)
1974 I've Got the Music in Me (Rocket) §
1974 Patterns (Philips)
1974 Kiki Dee (MFP/Sound Superb)
1976 I've Got the Music in Me (reissue) (Rocket) §
1976 Loving & Free (reissue) (Rocket)
1977 Kiki Dee (Rocket) - #24 UK
1979 Stay with Me (Rocket)
1980 Kiki Dee's Greatest Hits (Warwick)
1981 Perfect Timing (Ariola) - #47 UK
1987 Angel Eyes (Columbia)
1991 Spotlight on Kiki Dee Greatest Hits (Rocket)
1994 The Very Best of Kiki Dee (Polygram TV) - #62 UK
1995 Almost Naked (Tickety-boo)
1998 Where Rivers Meet (Tickety-boo)
2005 Love Makes the World Go Round: The Motown Years (Universal/Motown)
2005 The Walk of Faith (Spellbound)
2008 Cage the Songbird (EMI)
§ - credited to the Kiki Dee Band
Singles
1965 "Aspetta domani" (San Remo Festival entry)
1981 "Warte bis morgen" (German version of "Aspetta domani")
1971 "Love Makes the World Go Round" - Rare Earth - #87 U.S.
1973 "Amoureuse" - Rocket - #13 UK
1974 "I've Got the Music in Me" - Rocket - #19 UK; #12 U.S. §
1975 "How Glad I Am" - Rocket - #32 UK; #74 U.S. §
1975 "Once a Fool" - Rocket - #82 U.S.
1976 "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" - Rocket - #1 UK; #1 U.S. †
1976 "Loving and Free" / "Amoureuse" - Rocket - #13 UK
1977 "First Thing in the Morning" - Rocket - #32 UK
1977 "Chicago" - Rocket - #28 UK
1981 "Star" - Ariola - #13
1981 "Perfect Timing" - Ariola - #66
1981 "Midnight Flyer"
1981 "Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever" †
1983 "The Loser Gets to Win"
1984 "Amoureuse" (re-issue) - #77
1986 "Another Day Comes (Another Day Goes)"
1987 "I Fall in Love Too Easily"
1987 "Stay Close to You"
1993 "True Love" - Rocket - #2 UK; #56 U.S. †
§ - credited to the Kiki Dee Band; † - credited to Elton John and Kiki Dee
DVDs
2008 - Under the Night Sky Live - New Wave Pictures (produced by Ted Carfrae) ±
± Credited as Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri
I've Got The Music In Me
The Kiki Dee Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The Kiki Dee Band
(KIKI DEE)
Ain't got no trouble in my life,
No foolish dream to make me cry.
I'm never frightened or worried,
I know I'll always get by.
I heat up (I heat up)
When something gets in my way I go round it.
Don't let life get me down
Gonna take life the way that I found it.
CHORUS
I got the music in me
I got the music in me
I got the music in me
I got the music in me
I got the music in me
I got the music in me
They say that life is a circle (circle)
But that ain't the way that I've found it.
Gonna move in a straight line (ooh)
Keeping my feet firmly on the ground.
I heat up (I heat up)
I cool down (I cool down)
I got words in my head so I say them.
Don't let life get me down,
Catch a hold of my blues and just play them.
CHORUS
Feel funky
Feel good
Gonna tell ya
I'm in the neighbourhood
Gonna fly like a bird on the wing
Hold on to your hat honey,
Sing, sing, sing, sing
Heat up, cool down (cool down)
I got words in my head so I say them
Don't let life get me down (Don't let it get ya down)
Catch a hold of my blues and just play them.
CHORUS x2
Ain't got no trouble in my life,
No foolish dream to make me cry.
I'm never frightened I'm never worried,
I know, I know I'll always get by.
I got the music
Pretty music
I got the music
In me
Don't let it get ya down
Don't let it get ya down
Don't let it get you down
Don't let it get ya down
Don't let it get ya down
Don't let it get you down
Ha, ha, ha, ha
CHORUS
Don't let it get ya down
Don't let it get ya down
Don't let it get you down
I got the music in me
I got the music in me
I got the music in me
Don't let it get ya down
Don't let it get ya down
Don't let it get you down
(Repeat to fade)
From: "Kerry Hodgkin"
The lyrics of The Kiki Dee Band's song I've Got The Music In Me are all about being confident and not letting obstacles bring you down. The singer talks about not having any major problems in life and not being afraid of anything, as she knows that she will always get by. She heats up and cools down, going around any obstacles that get in her way. Instead of letting life get her down, she takes it the way that she found it.
The chorus of the song repeats the line "I've got the music in me" several times, emphasizing that the singer has a passion for music that can't be stifled. She talks about keeping her feet firmly on the ground, moving in a straight line, and having words in her head that she expresses through song. She doesn't let life get her down, but instead catches hold of her blues and plays them.
Overall, the song is an upbeat and inspiring call to action to not let life's difficulties get in the way of pursuing one's passions. It encourages listeners to embrace their inner music and let it guide them through life.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't got no trouble in my life,
I currently do not have any major problems that might cause me distress or sadness.
No foolish dream to make me cry.
I do not have any irrational or impractical dream that might make me upset.
I'm never frightened or worried,
I am never afraid or anxious.
I know I'll always get by.
I am confident that I can handle any situation and overcome any obstacle.
I heat up (I heat up)
I become excited and passionate about something.
I cool down (I cool down)
I calm myself down and become more composed.
When something gets in my way I go round it.
When faced with an obstacle, I find a way to overcome it and continue on my path.
Don't let life get me down
I do not allow the challenges or difficulties of life to bring me down or discourage me.
Gonna take life the way that I found it.
I accept and embrace life as it comes, without trying to change it too much or resist the flow.
I got the music in me
I have a passion and talent for music that is deeply ingrained in my personality and identity.
They say that life is a circle (circle)
There is a common belief that life is a repetitive cycle that always leads back to the same point.
But that ain't the way that I've found it.
However, my personal experience of life does not match this common belief. I see my life as more of a linear journey.
Gonna move in a straight line (ooh)
I am determined to move forward in a clear and purposeful direction, without deviating or getting distracted.
Keeping my feet firmly on the ground.
I stay grounded and connected to reality, not getting swept away by fantasies or illusions.
I got words in my head so I say them.
I have thoughts and ideas that I express verbally, using my voice to communicate with others and share my perspectives.
Catch a hold of my blues and just play them.
Instead of getting down or discouraged by negative emotions, I express them through my music, using them as inspiration to create something beautiful and meaningful.
Feel funky
I feel lively, upbeat, and energized, ready to dance and groove to the music.
Feel good
I feel happy, content, and satisfied with my life and current circumstances.
Gonna tell ya
I want to communicate something important to you, to share my thoughts or feelings.
I'm in the neighbourhood
I am present and active in my community, involved in local events and culture.
Gonna fly like a bird on the wing
I am going to soar and reach new heights, pushing myself to achieve great things.
Hold on to your hat honey,
Get ready for some excitement and thrills, because I am about to unleash my talent and energy!
Sing, sing, sing, sing
Let's all join together in singing and celebrating the power of music to lift our spirits and bring us together.
I got the music
Music is a fundamental aspect of my life, something that I rely on for inspiration and joy.
Pretty music
The music that I create or perform is not only meaningful and emotional, but also aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable to listen to.
Don't let it get ya down
I want to encourage you not to give up or feel discouraged by the challenges of life, but to stay strong and positive.
Ha, ha, ha, ha
Let's laugh and enjoy life, even when it gets tough or stressful.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TOBIAS BOSHELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@OogieWa
Holy crap, I'd forgotten how incredibly good this song is for about four decades! Wow!
@tone9930
Yeah me too
@paulhooson6850
One of the most powerful musical performances of the 70's. An awesome song that just exudes power and energy.
@dcore64
So many great songs came from that magical era but this was definitely one of them. 8^)
@KatharineDalton-xv5ud
I wish I had the vocal ability to perform this song. It ROCKS! It's not for the timid. You gotta have superb vocal control, volume and attitude to put this over the way it was intended. Not many women can sing with such power and grit. What a wonderful, rare voice! Rock on, Kiki!
@geraldchilds9274
I'm 61 yrs. Old and still catch myself singing this song.
@maree-mareesongwriter6226
A simple yet timeless rock song, that still rocks and uplifts you, with awesome vocals from the lovely and talented Kiki Dee.1970s was a truly great decade for music!
@JimcDJ1
Just one of the best songs I have ever heard...PERIOD!!!
@marcussmith3934
Happy 76th Birthday Kiki Dee!(Born March 6, 1947)😃🥳🎂🎉🎊🎈🎁🍾🥂🌷🌹💐🎀👍👏🙌
@sagaofsarahrose
You cannot tell me Veronica Green did not slay the absolute CRAP outta this