you for a while

Music and Lyrics by: Tori Amos

Instrumentation: Vocals, Harpsichord, Drums, Bass, Percussion, Mandolin, Guitar, Drum Programming, Flugelhorn, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Sousaphone

Brief Summary: In a nutshell, Tori has suggested that Talula is about a woman who has suffered a loss, but who is trying desperately to flip her loss around and try to view it in a positive way. In her words, “to dance” away the sadness. She experiments with a little cognitive reframing here, trying to be proud of herself and bask in the fact that she was able to open up herself to someone in the first place…that she did love…and that it was all worth something because the loss was so painful. Although some lyrics don’t necessarily fit snugly into this theme (i.e. “He’s my favorite hooker of the whole bunch”), that Tori has spoke so eloquently and lengthily on this topic is a treat for the savvy interpreter.

Tori’s Comments: “In Talula I’m begging this concept of ideal woman to come alive in myself…If it matters, it must be something worth losing.”

Fan Comments/Interpretations: Several fans have interpreted “Talula” to represent the inner child, and the desire to be a kid again. And some have suggested that this song is about a miscarriage, particularly with respect to the lines, “I don’t want to lose her,” “its in God’s hands but I don’t know who the father is.” Most fans, however, agree with Tori’s conceptualization–that Talula represents someone who has lost someone but who is also trying to rejoice in the fact that they loved that deeply at all.

China2Ny’s Comments: Songs with videos always stand out as favorites. I’m not quite sure what that means…but the Talula video is captivating.