Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush (1985)
Contents
Running Up That Hill
The first time I remember seeing and hearing the English singer-songwriter Kate Bush was on Saturday Night Live in 1978.
She was a bit older than me but still a teenager and she sang very well and I thought she was talented in a quirky way.
I’d never seen anything quite like it before and I didn’t know what to make of her. However, I was very impressed with her talent. After all, I still remember it all these years later.
I’ve never seen that broadcast again.
I bought a couple of her albums but then she seemed to fade away . . .
Actually, she became quite a big star in England but rarely appeared in the United States, apparently because of a fear of flying. I must admit that I started to forget about her.
This was the song that first made her famous in England. She is playing a ghost in “Wuthering Heights.”
Be prepared, it is rather unusual:
Now you see why I didn’t know quite what to make of her when I first saw her? She was different.
Kate Bush Is A True Original
I became aware of her again because of her 1985 song “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” and the accompanying Very Strange Video (below).
I became quite obsessed with this song. It was Kate at her eccentric best, complete with the very 1980s synthesizers.
Kate Bush explains the song: Behind The Song: Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill”
I was fascinated by her again. It is a haunting song, and the lyrics have been interpreted in many different ways.
Apparently, she becomes deeply involved in many stages of her music: writing, performing, choreography, producing, set design, etc.
She has really exercised great control over her career. She’s nobody’s puppet.
You can see more videos by Kate Bush on her official YouTube Channel:
2022 Updates
It seems I was way ahead of the curve! “Running Up That Hill” has suddenly become famous in America only 37 years later! It’s the #1 streamed song on the planet!
Kate is very surprised and happy with this success!
You may also want to read my post about Swedish House Mafia’s “Save The World” and I Love The Singer Pink.
2023 Update: The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame!
Kate Bush has just been inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!
According to the Hall website:
Her radical experimentation with lush soundscapes, literary themes, sampling, and theatricality have inspired everyone from Johnny Rotten to Björk to Big Boi.
Thanks for visiting New Jersey Memories!
16 Comments
stevebethere
Kate Bush was one of my favourites too I always liked that she was just a normal girl in the limelight and never turned into a diva like some do, she is touring the UK again and is here in London during August
Have a tanfabulous week ahead and thanks for waltzing by
New Jersey Memories
Yes, she seems to be in total control, but not in a diva kind of way. Very creative person.
Cathy Kennedy
I must admit, Kate Bush is new-to-me, but I totally get having a fear of flying. That's why I'm not famous, either. Okay, forget famous, but it does make me not very well traveled for sure, right? lol Gr8 to see you on the dance floor with the 4M crew!
New Jersey Memories
Thank you! I'm not that crazy about flying, either. I find it best just not to look out the windows : )
XmasDolly
She has a wonderful voice to be able to sing so hauntingly I would say… and yet so dramatic. She's new for me and the songs. Thanks for joining us and have a rockin' week.
New Jersey Memories
Yes, she does have a wonderful voice. A fine songwriter, too.
Catch My Words
I'm currently in a hotel with horrible internet. It won't let her videos pull up. If she was a teenager but a little older than you in 1978, I bet we're close in age.
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2014/07/8-weekend-writing-warriors-blog-hop.html
New Jersey Memories
We probably are. Hopefully you'll be getting internet soon!
Colette S
Oh yea I need to do some jump roping since I can't run right now.
Very good selections!
Thank you for joining with us.
Happy Summer
New Jersey Memories
Thank you so much!
Mike Golch
Kate bush is new to me thanks for sharing.
New Jersey Memories
You are very welcome!
Michelle aka Naila Moon
SHe is different indeed but I think I like her sound.
New to me as well.
Enjoyed!
http://yaknowstuff.blogspot.com/
Rebecca
wow she is new to me but lovely voice. Must go find more about her.
New Jersey Memories
Yes, she is very different!
New Jersey Memories
I like her voice, too.