Kate Bush

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Babooshka album cover

Babooshka

Kate Bush

Lyrics

[Intro]
Babooshka
Babooshka

[Verse 1]
She wanted to test her husband
She knew exactly what to do:
A pseudonym to fool him
She couldn't have made a worst move
She sent him scented letters
And he received them with a strange delight
Just like his wife
But how she was before the tears
And how she was before the years flew by
And how she was when she was beautiful
She signed the letter:

[Chorus]
“All yours
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya
All yours
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya”

[Post-Chorus]
Babooshka
[Verse 2]
She wanted to take it further
So she arranged a place to go
To see if he
Would fall for her incognito
And when he laid eyes on her
He got the feeling they had met before
Uncanny how she
Reminds him of his little lady
Capacity to give him all he needs
Just like his wife before she freezed on him
Just like his wife when she was beautiful
He shouted out:

[Chorus]
“I'm all yours
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya
All yours
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya
All yours
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya”
[Outro]
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya
Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya
Babooshka-ya-ya
Babooshka
Babooshka
Babooshka
Babooshka

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With the release of her 1980 album Never For Ever, Kate Bush further cemented her reputation as one of the most original and daring singers of her generation. One of the standout tracks on the album is "Babooshka," a song that showcases Bush's unique songwriting talent and vocal range.

About Babooshka

"Babooshka" is a song that tells the story of a woman, who suspecting her husband of infidelity, decides to test his loyalty by posing as a young admirer desirous of having an affair. She adopts a new persona, the titular Babooshka, and sends a seductive letter to her husband in an attempt to lure him into an illicit affair. The husband, unaware of his wife's ruse, responds to the letters, and the two begin an affair. The woman watches her husband's betrayal from afar, and ultimately realizes that she had driven him away with her own actions.

The song's lyrics are vivid and poetic, with Bush using imagery and metaphor to convey the woman's pain and anguish. The chorus is hauntingly beautiful, with Bush's soaring vocals complemented by the song's sparse instrumentation. "Babooshka" is a captivating song that showcases Bush's unique talent as a songwriter and vocalist.

The song was released as a single in the same year as the album and was an instant hit, reaching number 5 on the UK chart. Its success helped to further cement Bush's status as a major force in the music industry.

Since its release, "Babooshka" has become a fan favorite and is often cited as one of Bush's most iconic songs. Its blend of poetic lyrics, haunting vocals, and inventive instrumentation has stood the test of time and made it a timeless classic.

In addition to its popularity with fans, "Babooshka" has also been praised by critics for its originality and unique blend of genres. The song features elements of rock, pop, and folk music, blended together seamlessly to create a sound that is wholly unique. Kate Bush's innovative approach to music has influenced countless artists over the years and cemented her legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time.

In many ways, "Babooshka" is representative of Kate Bush's career as a whole - daring, inventive, and wholly original. She has blazed a trail for other musicians to follow, and her influence can be heard in countless songs that have come since.

Wrapping Up

In the end, "Babooshka" is a song that stands the test of time, thanks to its hauntingly beautiful lyrics, mesmerizing vocals, and innovative instrumentation. It is a testament to Kate Bush's immense talent and creativity and a reflection of the impact she has had on the music industry as a whole. For fans of Kate Bush and lovers of innovative music, "Babooshka" is a song that is not to be missed.

  • Release Date: June 27, 1980
  • Artist: Kate Bush