The Meaning Behind The Song: The Kick Inside by Kate Bush
Kate Bush’s “The Kick Inside” is the titular track and opening song of her debut album, released in 1978. The song tells the haunting story of a brother and sister who commit incest and the aftermath that follows.
The lyrics of the song are heavily inspired by the ballad style of storytelling, and the use of metaphor and allegory in the lyrics add depth to the song, as well as make it relatable to a wider audience. The song is unusual and ambitious, especially for someone who was only 19 when it was recorded.
FAQs About The Kick Inside by Kate Bush
1. What inspired Kate Bush to write The Kick Inside?
The song was inspired by a book Bush read called “The Infant Cry” by John Updike. The book deals with the taboo topic of incest, and this theme is prominent in “The Kick Inside” as well.
2. Why did Kate Bush choose to write about such a controversial topic in her debut album?
Bush has said that she finds the exploration of human emotions and relationships essential to her songwriting. Writing about taboo subjects like incest helped her explore those emotions in an unflinching way.
3. How was the song received by the audience?
Despite the controversial subject matter, the song received overwhelming critical acclaim, and the album itself was a commercial success. The song also established Kate Bush as a major player in the music industry.
4. Who is the narrator of the song?
The narrator is ambiguous, but is most likely the sister who is speaking to her unborn child.
5. What is the meaning behind the title “The Kick Inside”?
“The Kick Inside” refers to the movement of an unborn child inside the womb, which is used as a metaphor for the repressed feelings of the sister.
6. What is the significance of the last line “We’ll let the world know about the kick inside”?
The line can be interpreted as the sister’s decision to speak out and reveal the truth about the incest and its consequences, despite how uncomfortable and taboo the topic is.
7. Did Kate Bush write any other songs with similarly controversial themes?
Yes, Kate Bush has written other songs exploring taboo subjects, such as “Breathing” which deals with nuclear war, and “Army Dreamers” which deals with the topic of war and its futility.
8. Was “The Kick Inside” ever performed live?
Yes, the song was performed on Kate Bush’s first tour in 1979, and again on her “Before the Dawn” tour in 2014.
9. What impact did “The Kick Inside” have on the music industry?
The song was highly influential in the development of the ballady storytelling style, and further established Kate Bush as a pioneer in the music industry.
10. Is the song based on a true story or inspired by any real-life events?
There is no evidence to suggest that the song is based on a true story or specific real-life events.
11. What other songs are included on the album “The Kick Inside”?
The album includes other popular tracks such as “Wuthering Heights”, “The Man With the Child in His Eyes”, and “Moving”.
12. How has “The Kick Inside” stood the test of time?
Despite being released over 40 years ago, “The Kick Inside” remains a classic and an enduring favorite among fans and critics alike. It is considered a bold and unique debut that set the tone for Kate Bush’s long and illustrious career.
