"Silent All These Years" by Tori Amos
Strong Songs
The Percussive Elements of a Song
The chorus is more straightforward than the verse, but there's a real sense of motion to this chorus. It s very different from the verse, and that's all due to the string arrangement. The strings are basically broken in two; they're basely split into two sections. Both parts begin on an e, then they move in opposite directions along a n major scale.
Tori Amos was one of the most distinctive songwriters of the 90s, and remains a powerful musical voice decades later. "Silent All These Years," one of many strong singles off of her 1992 solo debut, is a perfect encapsulation of so many of the things that make her music special.
On this episode, Kirk takes a close look at this delicate, tenuously balanced song, from its floating opening piano line, to its expansive, time-warping bridge, to its hopeful conclusion. It's our turn now to stand where she stands; here, take hold of her hand.
Written by: Tori Amos
Album: Little Earthquakes, 1992
Listen/Buy via Songwhip
Also featured:
- "Precious Things," also by Amos, from Little Earthquakes
- Amos performing "Silent All These Years" from Tori Amos Live at Montreaux 91/92
OUTRO SOLOIST: Galen Clark
This episode's outro soloist is the one and only Galen Clark. Galen plays keyboard and organ with the killer funk/soul group Outer Orbit, who you can find playing regularly around Portland, Oregon and occasionally on tour. Find more information at their website, https://www.outerorbitband.com
Update 6/20: This episode initially misidentified the song's producer, Davitt Sigerson. It has been updated to credit him and string arranger Nick DeCaro, as well as to add some extra detail to the rhythmic breakdown of the intro (thanks Trevor!) and to add a second possible lyrical interpretation for the the third verse. The file swap may cause temporary issues with your download, depending on your podcast app, but it'll eventually work. Apologies for any inconvenience.
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