KT Tunstall — White Bird
Album: Drastic FantasticAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1814
Length: 3:09
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White bird with a black tail
Eyes dark and face so pale
Do you know what your future holds
Over your side of the road
White bird with a black tail
Look like an open sail
Made me look up from my shoes
To show me what you stand to lose
White bird White bird
With your face so pale
White bird White Bird
Where'd you get that tail
White Bird White Bird
With a black tail
White feathers dipped in tar
It's hard to tell how old you are
Wondering how much you know
About all of us below
Half of you is heavenly
Showing off your purity
The rest of you is from the street
Like a line where they both meet
White bird White bird
With your face so pale
White bird White Bird
Where'd you get that tail
White Bird White Bird
With a your face so pale
White Bird White Bird
With a black tail
Eyes dark and face so pale
Do you know what your future holds
Over your side of the road
White bird with a black tail
Look like an open sail
Made me look up from my shoes
To show me what you stand to lose
White bird White bird
With your face so pale
White bird White Bird
Where'd you get that tail
White Bird White Bird
With a black tail
White feathers dipped in tar
It's hard to tell how old you are
Wondering how much you know
About all of us below
Half of you is heavenly
Showing off your purity
The rest of you is from the street
Like a line where they both meet
White bird White bird
With your face so pale
White bird White Bird
Where'd you get that tail
White Bird White Bird
With a your face so pale
White Bird White Bird
With a black tail
Comments (142)add comment
Grammarcop wrote:
Best story ever!
I know nothing about a white bird with a black tail, but I found a Common Goldeneye (a type of duck common in eastern North America) in the median of the road yesterday. With the nearby lake frozen over I assume it landed in the road thinking it was open water. Unfortunately, that kind of thing happens every couple of years.
I picked it up and put it on the floor of the backseat of the car and drove down the road until I could find accessible open water. When I released it it looked back at me with a look that said, "What? You're not going to eat me?"
I had duck poop on my hands, on my coat and on the carpet on the floor of the backseat. That look? It was worth it.
Best story ever!
Lyndont wrote:
Yes!! Very true!!
This sounds great on RP‘s Flac stream. I urge you to try if you haven’t done so already.
Yes!! Very true!!
Lyndont wrote:
I love flax! It is also good 4 U.
This sounds great on RP‘s Flac stream. I urge you to try if you haven’t done so already.
I love flax! It is also good 4 U.
This sounds great on RP‘s Flac stream. I urge you to try if you haven’t done so already.
wifesboyfriend wrote:
Yup.
Anybody else hearing whopper, whopper ?
Yup.
Anybody else hearing whopper, whopper ?
Is it just me or does it sound like she's singing about Burger King's signature burger?
MattRudely wrote:
It is a cracking album cover, and she has a lovely warm, personable stage presence.
And, I'd wager that she is an awesome companion!! She just looks the type...always cheery disposition, upbeat kinda gal. Not to mention, REAL easy on the eyes!! Yum!! Grammarcop wrote:
A collective thank you, Grammarcop from all of us animal/bird lovers out there.
I know nothing about a white bird with a black tail, but I found a Common Goldeneye (a type of duck common in eastern North America) in the median of the road yesterday. With the nearby lake frozen over I assume it landed in the road thinking it was open water. Unfortunately, that kind of thing happens every couple of years.
I picked it up and put it on the floor of the backseat of the car and drove down the road until I could find accessible open water. When I released it it looked back at me with a look that said, "What? You're not going to eat me?"
I had duck poop on my hands, on my coat and on the carpet on the floor of the backseat. That look? It was worth it.
I picked it up and put it on the floor of the backseat of the car and drove down the road until I could find accessible open water. When I released it it looked back at me with a look that said, "What? You're not going to eat me?"
I had duck poop on my hands, on my coat and on the carpet on the floor of the backseat. That look? It was worth it.
A collective thank you, Grammarcop from all of us animal/bird lovers out there.
It is a cracking album cover, and she has a lovely warm, personable stage presence.
haretic wrote:
Thank you for sharing this heartwarming bit of life in the city.
Yes, thank you for your caring and effort fellow animal, bird, foul...etc. lover.
Thank you for sharing this heartwarming bit of life in the city.
Yes, thank you for your caring and effort fellow animal, bird, foul...etc. lover.
Might be my favorite album cover of all time...
Grammarcop wrote:
Thank you for sharing this heartwarming bit of life in the city.
I know nothing about a white bird with a black tail, but I found a Common Goldeneye (a type of duck common in eastern North America) in the median of the road yesterday. With the nearby lake frozen over I assume it landed in the road thinking it was open water. Unfortunately, that kind of thing happens every couple of years.
I picked it up and put it on the floor of the backseat of the car and drove down the road until I could find accessible open water. When I released it it looked back at me with a look that said, "What? You're not going to eat me?"
I had duck poop on my hands, on my coat and on the carpet on the floor of the backseat. That look? It was worth it.
I picked it up and put it on the floor of the backseat of the car and drove down the road until I could find accessible open water. When I released it it looked back at me with a look that said, "What? You're not going to eat me?"
I had duck poop on my hands, on my coat and on the carpet on the floor of the backseat. That look? It was worth it.
Thank you for sharing this heartwarming bit of life in the city.
Oh my... Seque from Doc Watson to this.... Smoooooth guys 
Blah -- bit of a different chord change but nothing great.
Hey KT....is that a guitar in your pocket or are you just happy to play some music? Geeez will you look at the size of that thing next to her? A heavy lift, maybe? ;-)
The lyrics and guitar composition have Nick Drake all over them. Just sayin'...
White bird must fly
Or she will die!
There's a good segue there Bill.
Or she will die!
There's a good segue there Bill.
I know nothing about a white bird with a black tail, but I found a Common Goldeneye (a type of duck common in eastern North America) in the median of the road yesterday. With the nearby lake frozen over I assume it landed in the road thinking it was open water. Unfortunately, that kind of thing happens every couple of years.
I picked it up and put it on the floor of the backseat of the car and drove down the road until I could find accessible open water. When I released it it looked back at me with a look that said, "What? You're not going to eat me?"
I had duck poop on my hands, on my coat and on the carpet on the floor of the backseat. That look? It was worth it.
I picked it up and put it on the floor of the backseat of the car and drove down the road until I could find accessible open water. When I released it it looked back at me with a look that said, "What? You're not going to eat me?"
I had duck poop on my hands, on my coat and on the carpet on the floor of the backseat. That look? It was worth it.
Like the tune. Album cover reminds me of this:
Quite clever this, feel certain it's a nod to Paul McCartney's 'Blackbird' - kinda almost like she came up with the song whilst playing 'Blackbird' - there's a lot of similarities in some of the guitar work.
Quite likeable is an apt rating for this one.
NeuroJoe wrote:
I ask you all: when was the last time your Whopper looked even remotely this good right out of the box? And McDonald's burgers always look like they've sat on by a comatose elephant for a week.
damn you
Whopper whopper
Whopper whopper
I ask you all: when was the last time your Whopper looked even remotely this good right out of the box? And McDonald's burgers always look like they've sat on by a comatose elephant for a week.
damn you
More_Cowbell wrote:
Whopper whopper
More_Cowbell wrote:
Whopper whopper
sajitjacob wrote:
..oh great, now i'll never get that image out of my mind when i hear this tune..
..(just funnin', for all the killjoys out there.. :P ..nice pic!)..
This is what I think of when I hear this song a Pied Wag Tail.
..oh great, now i'll never get that image out of my mind when i hear this tune..
..(just funnin', for all the killjoys out there.. :P ..nice pic!)..
This is what I think of when I hear this song a Pied Wag Tail.
"I've told you already, they don't come with a black tail. Cheese or bacon. Now did you want two Whoppers or a double Whopper?"
Hey what happened to you ?Misterfixit wrote:
Hey! What happened to Excel — what's his name?
Zeito wrote:
That would be food.....right?
And just like that I am craving a whopper.
That would be food.....right?
Zeito wrote:
"........special orders don't upset us."
And just like that I am craving a whopper.
"........special orders don't upset us."
And just like that I am craving a whopper.
Excelsior wrote:
Trying hard to miss you Excelsior... but hey,,, sorry man, I just can't find it in me.
If I have to hear about the #$@%#@$%ing white bird with the #@%$!#$@%ing black tail one more time, I'm going to lose it.
Trying hard to miss you Excelsior... but hey,,, sorry man, I just can't find it in me.
christopherwoods wrote:
I'll second that. I'm not right impressed with her third album, which is too produced and 'poppy' for my tastes. I just hope she's not going too far into the mainstream else she'll end up in that musical limbo known as MOR. I like her as the wee lass from Fife :o)
A marvellously quiet, thoughtful and slightly melancholy song from one of the current masters of intelligent singer/songwriter music which isn't just plain 'pop'. I've almost worn my CDs of both of her albums (and her third album should hopefully be released this year so I'll have fresh KT Tunstall to enjoy!)
I love her voice... It really is something special.
I love her voice... It really is something special.
I'll second that. I'm not right impressed with her third album, which is too produced and 'poppy' for my tastes. I just hope she's not going too far into the mainstream else she'll end up in that musical limbo known as MOR. I like her as the wee lass from Fife :o)
So nice after Fever Ray, wow, congrats to you Bill !
Ho hum. 
I championed KT Tunstall from the moment I first heard Suddenly I See before the release of her first album. But this song is just "meh".
Oh, this song is called White Bird? Could have never guessed. ^^ 
Nice! 8 
9
9K.T. Tunstall, is on The Hour with George Stroumboulopoulos to discuss her album, 'Drastic Fantastic.'
"KT Tunstall she's like irresistible, she just invits you to her world, and you want to come lol. One of the pearl of the new music scene, made in UK ...as always." Ilikeyouall
"coz its class lol is that phrase used in america or canada ? "
"In a funny way she reminds me of Kate Bush, in that they are both completely nice and unaffected in interviews, and explain themselves well." Yehudittx
A marvellously quiet, thoughtful and slightly melancholy song from one of the current masters of intelligent singer/songwriter music which isn't just plain 'pop'. I've almost worn my CDs of both of her albums (and her third album should hopefully be released this year so I'll have fresh KT Tunstall to enjoy!)
I love her voice... It really is something special.
I love her voice... It really is something special.
A big joke.
More_Cowbell wrote:
Exactly when I was thinking "Is she singing about whoppers?", I saw this. Instant laugh
Whopper whopper
Exactly when I was thinking "Is she singing about whoppers?", I saw this. Instant laugh
fredriley wrote:
Fred, I don't always agree with you but when it comes to KT, I back you 100%
Same here. I think the cover's pretty damn sexy, but then I've always had a thing for women with kinky boots and big instruments :o)
More importantly, she's a terrific singer and songwriter, and this is another fine song. 8 from the smitten Nottingham jury.
More importantly, she's a terrific singer and songwriter, and this is another fine song. 8 from the smitten Nottingham jury.
Fred, I don't always agree with you but when it comes to KT, I back you 100%
Whopper whopper
Nice MUZAC if you like that sort of thing.. I prefer the subtuble power of It's a Beautiful Day on this tune :-)
If fact had to break away from RP to catch a vid on youtube of It's a Beautiful Day
If fact had to break away from RP to catch a vid on youtube of It's a Beautiful Day
bindi wrote:
pretty tight, though, right? She can get away with it. Nice track selection in 'White Bird'. You know who she is married to, right?
Love the tune, but that cover? I checked the date, thinking maybe it was from the 80's or something - nope. She does however have a really cool looking site - if you are into comic book type art. Very nice.
pretty tight, though, right? She can get away with it. Nice track selection in 'White Bird'. You know who she is married to, right?
Love the tune, but that cover? I checked the date, thinking maybe it was from the 80's or something - nope. She does however have a really cool looking site - if you are into comic book type art. Very nice.
This song always catches my ear. And then I click on it and there is that cover. I know it's intentional but that doesn't make it any less obnoxious IMO. I give the song a seven though
Carl wrote:
It sticks in my mind. Memorable = Good, in the world of music marketing. Whenever I hear one of her songs, I picture this album and stll like the song.
Same here. I think the cover's pretty damn sexy, but then I've always had a thing for women with kinky boots and big instruments :o)
More importantly, she's a terrific singer and songwriter, and this is another fine song. 8 from the smitten Nottingham jury.
It sticks in my mind. Memorable = Good, in the world of music marketing. Whenever I hear one of her songs, I picture this album and stll like the song.
Same here. I think the cover's pretty damn sexy, but then I've always had a thing for women with kinky boots and big instruments :o)
More importantly, she's a terrific singer and songwriter, and this is another fine song. 8 from the smitten Nottingham jury.
highwindows wrote:
It sticks in my mind. Memorable = Good, in the world of music marketing. Whenever I hear one of her songs, I picture this album and stll like the song.
NOT muzak.
Just shoot whoever designed that hideous album cover!!
Just shoot whoever designed that hideous album cover!!
It sticks in my mind. Memorable = Good, in the world of music marketing. Whenever I hear one of her songs, I picture this album and stll like the song.
highwindows wrote:
Was thinking the same thing, but it works for everyone, doesn't it? I mean, if you fall for glam, you'll buy it. And if you see thru the glam there's actual substance in this album. Excellent marketing.
NOT muzak.
Just shoot whoever designed that hideous album cover!!
Just shoot whoever designed that hideous album cover!!
Was thinking the same thing, but it works for everyone, doesn't it? I mean, if you fall for glam, you'll buy it. And if you see thru the glam there's actual substance in this album. Excellent marketing.
Hey! What happened to Excel — what's his name?
I really do like this cover. I'm not that familiar with Tunstall but I've always enjoyed this song.
For those of you who haven't noticed, Excelsior hasn't been around for a few weeks. I don't know if Bill finally gave him the axe or he just finally gave up. Either way, Please stop re-posting his comments. Thanks.
Excelsior wrote:
Hey!
You forgot to add your pukey signature, dude!!
If I have to hear about the #$@%#@$%ing white bird with the #@%$!#$@%ing black tail one more time, I'm going to lose it.
Hey!
You forgot to add your pukey signature, dude!!
If I have to hear about the #$@%#@$%ing white bird with the #@%$!#$@%ing black tail one more time, I'm going to lose it.
highwindows wrote:
You wish you could be half that glam.
NOT muzak.
Just shoot whoever designed that hideous album cover!!
Just shoot whoever designed that hideous album cover!!
You wish you could be half that glam.
Oh, they're playing KT Tunstall again.
You know, it's odd, but suddenly, I feel sort of tirezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
You know, it's odd, but suddenly, I feel sort of tirezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I'm a fan of KT Tunstall, but this isn't really one of my favorites. Good song, but she's got better.
Y'all taking that album cover way too seriously, bro.
highwindows wrote:
Agreed
NOT muzak.
Just shoot whoever designed that hideous album cover!!
Just shoot whoever designed that hideous album cover!!
Agreed
Stingray wrote:
A clear 6.6138 from the sub-arctic jury.
A clear 9.5 in my opinion!!!
A clear 6.6138 from the sub-arctic jury.
I´m stunned!
What an incredible song. A clear 9.5 in my opinion!!!
LOVELY and real-real MUSIC!!!
What an incredible song. A clear 9.5 in my opinion!!!
LOVELY and real-real MUSIC!!!
DoctorHooey wrote:
This is a lovely song.
I concur. This one really stands out from an otherwise marginal album. Nice pacing and subtle foreboding.
cafortier wrote:
I need to know which RP you are listening to. Because the RP I listen to...she is overplayed. All you have to do is look at the playlist to figure that out.
Maybe you are listing to LRC??
Yes, she is.
NOT muzak.
Just shoot whoever designed that hideous album cover!!
Luv-struck
-relayer- wrote:
Can we get 'White Bird' from It's a Beautiful Day?
I second that notion.Great song.
cafortier wrote:
I need to know which RP you are listening to. Because the RP I listen to...she is overplayed. All you have to do is look at the playlist to figure that out.
Maybe you are listing to LRC??
I'm lucky enough to only listen for a few hours a week, so nothing is overplayed for me. I love KT, and I really like this song.
wade44 wrote:
If you only listened to RP, you wouldn't say she was overplayed ;)
I need to know which RP you are listening to. Because the RP I listen to...she is overplayed. All you have to do is look at the playlist to figure that out.
Maybe you are listing to LRC??
wade44 wrote:
If you only listened to RP, you wouldn't say she was overplayed ;)
uhh, no! thats all i listen to. its overplayed! I don't find her as annoying as others, but she is overplayed.
If you only listened to RP, you wouldn't say she was overplayed ;)
I just don't get why she is rated so high. Personally - there are much more talented singers out there...that don't get overplayed like she does.
Whopper, Whopper, where'd you get that taste?
KT Tunstall on going green
Singer-songwriter KT Tunstall has become one of a growing number of performers who are making their concerts greener.
klik the link above to watch a recent interview on Scottish Television about this ever pertinent issue.
Good on ya KT!
Inamorato wrote:
What a cool, subtle bird set:
Goldfrapp - Little Bird
The Be Good Tanyas - The Coo Coo Bird
The Wailin' Jennys - Arlington
Guster - Ruby Falls
KT Tunstall - White Bird
Fine songs, all.
Man! And today too:
Euphoria - Sweet Rain
KT Tunstall - White Bird
Toad The Wet Sprocket - Windmills
Alpinestars - Burning Up
David Bowie - I've Been Waiting For You
Talking Heads - Crosseyed And Painless
Paul Simon - I Know What I Know
Baka Beyond - Bwambwa (feat. Ete)
Patty Griffin - Burgundy Shoes
A Fine Frenzy - Last of Days
Imogen Heap - Clear The Area
Massive Attack - Teardrop
What a cool, subtle bird set:
Goldfrapp - Little Bird
The Be Good Tanyas - The Coo Coo Bird
The Wailin' Jennys - Arlington
Guster - Ruby Falls
KT Tunstall - White Bird
Fine songs, all. 
This is a lovely song.
Atlantis wrote:
Is there any Tunstall song that isn't?
And I hate the KT thing. So childish.
That's pretty arrogant. What's it to you how a person chooses a name? And what do YOU do for an encore?
You shoulda been there in 1978. Its a period piece.
inindian wrote:
Like this and the album a lot. The CD jacket/sleeve is a little nuts, is it some kind of wacky irony? But it looks like they designed the cover a day before they had to go to print!
Can we get 'White Bird' from It's a Beautiful Day?
Atlantis wrote:
Is there any Tunstall song that isn't?
And I hate the KT thing. So childish.
Don't agree. I like this. 8.
Excelsior wrote:
Yeah... pretty bland and uninspired.
Is there any Tunstall song that isn't?
And I hate the KT thing. So childish.
Like this and the album a lot. The CD jacket/sleeve is a little nuts, is it some kind of wacky irony? But it looks like they designed the cover a day before they had to go to print!
Missing a black tail there, Mari. I think she's singing about a wagtail. Any Europe birders want to comment?
Mari wrote: 
robco1 wrote: 
Seriously, you thought this was an appropriate post? 
Can't see how it may be offensive to describe someone's sexual orientation with "she's a carpet muncher?"
Strangely enough, I don't think either my wife or I would mind it if someone called me that! 
Seriously, you thought this was an appropriate post? Can't see how it may be offensive to describe someone's sexual orientation with "she's a carpet muncher?"
Mindscrape wrote:
Sure she looks good, but the song is pretty mediocre.
Yeah... pretty bland and uninspired.
Sure she looks good, but the song is pretty mediocre.
gandalfbmg wrote:
Maybe it'll fool a few kids from the American Idol set into buying the album (she's already got an in w/ them, as her first big career boost from the pop set came from having one of her songs sung on AI), and maybe thus getting deprogrammed a bit and into more quality music...
Ha! Let's hope so....
That guitar looks just a bit too big for her to handle, but that's probably the way she likes it...
musikalia wrote:
In and of itself it's fine, but it absolutely does not fit at all with the music. Just based on the cover I'd think this was an album of pop-catchy-beat-disco-dance music, which is so not the case.
Goes to show....Can't judge an album on the cover.
Maybe it'll fool a few kids from the American Idol set into buying the album (she's already got an in w/ them, as her first big career boost from the pop set came from having one of her songs sung on AI), and maybe thus getting deprogrammed a bit and into more quality music...
A female Elvis protégé'ish look?!?!
gandalfbmg wrote:
What's wrong with the cover.
In and of itself it's fine, but it absolutely does not fit at all with the music. Just based on the cover I'd think this was an album of pop-catchy-beat-disco-dance music, which is so not the case.
Goes to show....Can't judge an album on the cover.
Frater_Kork wrote:
I know what she is singing, but still I hear the words "Whopper, Whopper, put your face in it"
Burger King must be putting something weird in their fries...
I had to stop what I was doing and check the boards, 'cause I knew somebody else had to have been hearing that too.
I assure you Burger King puts plenty of wierdness in their fries--KT has no shortage of inspiration. Check out the book "Fast Food Nation" for the unpleasant details.
Me, I'll take herring and ryebread any day. 
Frater_Kork wrote:
Frater_Kork wrote:I know what she is singing, but still I hear the words "Whopper, Whopper, put your face in it"
Burger King must be putting something weird in their fries...
really like that song a lot...
Frater_Kork wrote:
I know what she is singing, but still I hear the words "Whopper, Whopper, put your face in it"
Burger King must be putting something weird in their fries...
I know what she is singing, but still I hear the words "Whopper, Whopper, put your face in it"
Burger King must be putting something weird in their fries...
Misterfixit wrote: Seriously, you thought this was an appropriate post? Can't see how it may be offensive to describe someone's sexual orientation with "she's a carpet muncher?"
Really seemed like a good idea?
Really?
Really.
Sighhhhh .. she's a carpet muncher ....
Oh well ...
Seriously, you thought this was an appropriate post? Can't see how it may be offensive to describe someone's sexual orientation with "she's a carpet muncher?"
Really seemed like a good idea?
Really?
Really.
I bought this album in mp3 format off Amazon for a mere $6. I would suggest anyone who is at all interested in this song follow the link from this site and do the same. It is well worth it, and costs less than a Tanqueray Tonic. And it doesn't include a hard copy of the cover that so many people seem to be so oddly concerned about.
Love the song - the cover, not so much
Misterfixit wrote:
Sighhhhh .. she's a carpet muncher ....
Oh well ...
Misterfixit wrote:
Sighhhhh .. she's a carpet muncher ....
Oh well ...
uhm...
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
I like this song a little more each time I hear it, and I dislike that cover art a little more each time I see it. Song's a 7, going to 8 and the cover is down to 1.
That's a great idea! I'd like to start rating the cover art just like we rate the songs. It would be fun to see which covers are universally liked and disliked.
geordiezimmerman wrote:
overated crap aimed at people who have no idea
no score
i guess you're right because i have no idea what you are talking about.
doctec wrote:
KT = Katie? Just asking...
Yes.
This song wears well.
KT = Katie? Just asking...
I think there is a video of her playing this in front of a campfire very introspective.
Smooth..great listen
geordiezimmerman wrote:
overated crap aimed at people who have no idea
no score
Guess I'm a case of the ignorant being blissed!
Nice carpet..................
Wizzuvv_oz wrote:
I like this song a little more each time I hear it, and I dislike that cover art a little more each time I see it. Song's a 7, going to 8 and the cover is down to 1.
What's wrong with the cover. Nice boots and some GREAT legs...
Pretty.
I like this song a little more each time I hear it, and I dislike that cover art a little more each time I see it. Song's a 7, going to 8 and the cover is down to 1.
overated crap aimed at people who have no idea
no score
I know nothing about a white bird with a black tail, but I found a Common Goldeneye (a type of duck common in eastern North America) in the median of the road yesterday. With the nearby lake frozen over I assume it landed in the road thinking it was open water. Unfortunately, that kind of thing happens every couple of years.
I picked it up and put it on the floor of the backseat of the car and drove down the road until I could find accessible open water. When I released it it looked back at me with a look that said, "What? You're not going to eat me?"
I had duck poop on my hands, on my coat and on the carpet on the floor of the backseat. That look? It was worth it.
Cool story. Thank You for sharing it!