Kate Bush — Nocturn
Album: AerialAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 748
Length: 8:33
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Sweet dreams...
On this Midsummer might
Everyone is sleeping
We go driving into the moonlight
Could be in a dream
Our clothes are on the beach
These prints of our feet
Lead right up to the sea
No one, no one is here
No one, no one is here
We stand in the Atlantic
We become panoramic
We tire of the city
We tire of it all
We long for just that something more
Could be in a dream
Our clothes are on the beach
These prints of our feet
Lead right up to the sea
No one, no one is here
No one, no one is here
We stand in the Atlantic
We become panoramic
The stars are caught in our hair
The stars are on our fingers
A veil of diamond dust
Just reach up and touch it
The sky's above our heads
The sea's around our legs
In milky, silky water
We swim further and further
We dive down... We dive down
A diamond night, a diamond sea
And a diamond sky...
We dive deeper and deeper
We dive deeper and deeper
Could be we are here
Could be we are in a dream
It came up on the horizon
Rising and rising
In a sea of honey, a sky of honey
A sea of honey, a sky of honey
Look at the light, all the time it's a changing
Look at the light, climbing up the aerial
Bright, white coming alive jumping off the aerial
All the time it's a changing, like now...
All the time it's a changing, like then again...
All the time it's a changing
And all the dreamers are waking.
On this Midsummer might
Everyone is sleeping
We go driving into the moonlight
Could be in a dream
Our clothes are on the beach
These prints of our feet
Lead right up to the sea
No one, no one is here
No one, no one is here
We stand in the Atlantic
We become panoramic
We tire of the city
We tire of it all
We long for just that something more
Could be in a dream
Our clothes are on the beach
These prints of our feet
Lead right up to the sea
No one, no one is here
No one, no one is here
We stand in the Atlantic
We become panoramic
The stars are caught in our hair
The stars are on our fingers
A veil of diamond dust
Just reach up and touch it
The sky's above our heads
The sea's around our legs
In milky, silky water
We swim further and further
We dive down... We dive down
A diamond night, a diamond sea
And a diamond sky...
We dive deeper and deeper
We dive deeper and deeper
Could be we are here
Could be we are in a dream
It came up on the horizon
Rising and rising
In a sea of honey, a sky of honey
A sea of honey, a sky of honey
Look at the light, all the time it's a changing
Look at the light, climbing up the aerial
Bright, white coming alive jumping off the aerial
All the time it's a changing, like now...
All the time it's a changing, like then again...
All the time it's a changing
And all the dreamers are waking.
Comments (147)add comment
Not really a fan of Kate Bush's. Wuthering Heights is a horrifically bad piece of music, but this one is delightful. Thanks Kate!
Love you Kate Bush! What a storyteller.
Horrible stuff, really unpleasant.
Garbage, just awful.
Webfoot wrote:
So, I had to check it out. I may be a bit thick, but what are you talking about?
Must be an old website. (13 yr. old original comment) She was probably doing something terrible like promoting herself to pay the bills.
So, I had to check it out. I may be a bit thick, but what are you talking about?
Must be an old website. (13 yr. old original comment) She was probably doing something terrible like promoting herself to pay the bills.
Pipes wrote:
So, I had to check it out. I may be a bit thick, but what are you talking about?
meloman wrote:
Kate Bush must be one of the most pretentious artists in popular music today. A great song for the roller skating rink!
Just checked out her web page. I've never seen anyone so full of themselves before! Yikes!
So, I had to check it out. I may be a bit thick, but what are you talking about?
RCinSoCal wrote:
Hmm... Maybe that's what's shown on the cover.
I think that's the blackbird section from the album.
Hmm... Maybe that's what's shown on the cover.
I think that's the blackbird section from the album.
True story: on a removals job I had to lower a washing machine down a very tight, freshly painted stairwell, using a long strap around my shoulders. Not a great moment for Kate's Washing Machine to come on the radio. Laughter can kill. And then at the end of the day I took my hard won cash in hand (£300) to the pub, where my missus was waiting with the news that our old washing machine had finally fatally failed. A new one would be £300.
Anyway, love Kate forever, indeed.
Anyway, love Kate forever, indeed.
Steely_D wrote:
True enough. The washing machine song, as an instance, is one of pure meditation. I've got this double album, and my main criticism is that it could have been condensed to one disk as there's a lot of fluff (and an execrable turn by Rolf Harris, FFS) which dilutes the good stuff. It's still worth getting, though.
The album's a meditation on her contentment. It's everything that contemporary music isn't: it's not driven, it's not full of angst, it's not trying to make a political point, it's not an immature emotional outburst. She's simply happy, and not delerious or giddy. Life is good, and that's what this is about.
True enough. The washing machine song, as an instance, is one of pure meditation. I've got this double album, and my main criticism is that it could have been condensed to one disk as there's a lot of fluff (and an execrable turn by Rolf Harris, FFS) which dilutes the good stuff. It's still worth getting, though.
Andres-7 wrote:
truly the sexiest singing voice out there.
LOVE Kate. Ever and forever.
truly the sexiest singing voice out there.
OHMish wrote:
Your choir is all Kate, run through a Octavator, and then what sounds like a key board. I hear cord patterns. As for me, it's very Kate Bush, and I have always love her stuff.
The choir is too aggressive (religious?) for me
Your choir is all Kate, run through a Octavator, and then what sounds like a key board. I hear cord patterns. As for me, it's very Kate Bush, and I have always love her stuff.
The album's a meditation on her contentment. It's everything that contemporary music isn't: it's not driven, it's not full of angst, it's not trying to make a political point, it's not an immature emotional outburst. She's simply happy, and not delerious or giddy. Life is good, and that's what this is about.
The choir is too aggressive (religious?) for me
I'll say it again, this is her MOST complete recording.......but I really like Hounds of Love. Still she has immense talents!
LOVE Kate. Ever and forever.
I loves me some Kate 
eveliko wrote:
My now rather lovely (made by me own hands) 30 Watt valve (tube) amp actually LOVES this woman. Brilliant production, awesome warm vocals that set the tubes humming...such lovely textures.
I just changed the wiring of my speakers and decided to go for A+B outputs from the amp, this song was a remarkable test, the last part where Kate pushes the voices louder gave me a huge thrill. That's all the interest of this song: surprise the listener at the most unexpected moment. Loved it.
My now rather lovely (made by me own hands) 30 Watt valve (tube) amp actually LOVES this woman. Brilliant production, awesome warm vocals that set the tubes humming...such lovely textures.
clwguy wrote:
I like your description, her music can take me to those places
Like laying in a hammock on a perfect spring day. Partial shade. Light breeze blowing. The lake right there. What more could one possibly want?
I like your description, her music can take me to those places
Sustainable talent. What a concept!
I just changed the wiring of my speakers and decided to go for A+B outputs from the amp, this song was a remarkable test, the last part where Kate pushes the voices louder gave me a huge thrill. That's all the interest of this song: surprise the listener at the most unexpected moment. Loved it.
DaidyBoy wrote:
Hmm... Maybe that's what's shown on the cover.
There is a strange pitch thing going on here which unnerves me. Can't work it out. Great tune.
Hmm... Maybe that's what's shown on the cover.
There is a strange pitch thing going on here which unnerves me. Can't work it out. Great tune.
Pioneer_Sing wrote:
You should give it the occasional trim though.
You just can't beat Kate's Bush.....
You should give it the occasional trim though.
Like laying in a hammock on a perfect spring day. Partial shade. Light breeze blowing. The lake right there. What more could one possibly want?
You just can't beat Kate's Bush.....
I love this. The minimal bass / drum groove is up with my all time favourites.
I got introduced to her in the 80s by my mom and cousin by marriage, thought she was unique and amazing, then the novelty wore off. But, this I love.
Seems to be a case of love it or hate it. I'm going to join the love it crowd. Great lyrics, and I just love the way the song builds tempo- a clever device that describes her own transition- 'we tire of the city' to being on a beach watching the sun rise. This song is like a painting.
Oh she's still got it alright.
liser wrote:
liked the first couple of minutes - too long for my taste 
I was beginning to think there was a loop in the file.
This took me there or thereabouts and then I came to myself, looked and stap me it was our Kate.
I now have the task of seriously, and potentially interestingly checking out the rest of her material which I have never really bothered with before.
I was in my local pub when 'Wuthering Heights' first came outre :-)
My sister, who bless her couldn't carry a tune in a sealed nuclear bunker,had just finished posibbly the skrikiest, shrike-riest, rendition of Jambayala that flat shrieks are capable of.
The DJ played 'Wuthering' next as the break was coming up. I thought at the time, and gloatingly repeated to my sister on many, perhaps too many occasions, that it was one of the kindest acts of musical charity I had ever seen, considering I couldn't believe what I had heard.
Yes, of course we still take the piss out of each other, isn't that what siblings etc are for? :-)
bowiefreak wrote: I think to appreciate Kate you have to start with the original version of "Wuthering Heights"
I used to introduce Kate to new listeners with the second version of "Wuthering Heights". It has a more mainstream feel and the vocals at the end just blow people away.
This is boring.
liked the first couple of minutes - too long for my taste
gtm256 wrote:
Exactly. And her voice is so thick and intentionally sensual it disgusts me. Being emotional just for the sake of doing it is pornography for boring middle-aged housewives with nothing better to do with their lives than talk about how great Kate Bush is. Blah.
I agree. This is why she ususally gives me a headache too.
Oddly though, this one seems to have me tapping my toe.
There's a little black spot on the sun today.
I just can't get into anything Kate Bush does... Something about her voice just irritates me.
Like chewing on tin foil!
handyrae wrote:
I see your point, but at the same time that's exactly the problem -- I can't get past Wuthering Heights and the pretentiousness.
Exactly. And her voice is so thick and intentionally sensual it disgusts me. Being emotional just for the sake of doing it is pornography for boring middle-aged housewives with nothing better to do with their lives than talk about how great Kate Bush is. Blah.
Shesdifferent wrote:
I just don't know why people like this girls music....bore me to death.... 
What a shame. You don't know what you're missing
I just don't know why people like this girls music....bore me to death....
I like it up to the shouting at the end. Have to turn it down a little then. Harsh voices just a tad irritating. Believe it or not, this song brings to mind Bruce Cockburn's "Night Train" and Sonic Youth's "Hits of Sunshine" for the rhythms.
This song, just like the rest of the album, just keeps getting better and better each time you hear it.
Most of Kate's stuff tends to grow on you. Although, Arial is no Sensual World
This is exactly what I needed to start my workday....
Nice bass groove.
This is mesmerizing. Gotta pick up this album.
jah_blessed wrote:
If it wasn't Kate Bush, it wouldn't have made the playlist. And no, I'm not out to bash Kate. I like her mid-80s work.
I concur. This song is nothing special.
If it wasn't Kate Bush, it wouldn't have made the playlist. And no, I'm not out to bash Kate. I like her mid-80s work.
dkwalika wrote:
This is torture.
Didn't she used to be good?
She never stopped. Give it more listens. I think it's divine and inspired. A bit epic for some tastes, I'm sure.
This is torture.
Didn't she used to be good?
I bought this album because I kept hearing wonderful things about her and her comparison to Tori, but I can't even get through the album. She really grates on my nerves!
pianocomposer wrote:
I have always thought that Kate's voice is alive and conscious where most other vocals sound dead. This is such a strange song, but I love it.
I agree totally. I have enjoyed Kate Bush for years and I was glad to see this new album.
MNJosh wrote:
Before I read these comments, I had a hunch what they were going to say.
In the mid 90s, I started hearing how "great" Kate was. I figured there must be something to it if she had been around for so long at that point, so I gave her a listen.
I didn't get it. I mean, how could anyone listen to that voice for more than 30 seconds without wanting to run away screaming?
But then I heard "Waking the Witch" on Hounds of Love. It all changed. For some reason, once I started listening to the accompaniment and the lyrics, her voice settled into place and it all clicked.
So for folks out there who are quick to jump to the melodramatic comments on her voice, consider a second attempt with a little more attention to content.
You might just be surprised.
I have always thought that Kate's voice is alive and conscious where most other vocals sound dead. This is such a strange song, but I love it.
bowiefreak wrote: I think to appreciate Kate you have to start with the original version of "Wuthering Heights" and appreciate her somewhat eccentric style of pop in order to open your heart and mind to the beauty of her music (
Not necessarily. I've given a 7 to Nocturn, The Dreaming is my favourite record ever... and I still think Wuthering Heights is mediocre. Ok melody, bad singing, crap sound. I don't really think Kate did real good until some songs in Never for ever.
Before I read these comments, I had a hunch what they were going to say.
In the mid 90s, I started hearing how "great" Kate was. I figured there must be something to it if she had been around for so long at that point, so I gave her a listen.
I didn't get it. I mean, how could anyone listen to that voice for more than 30 seconds without wanting to run away screaming?
But then I heard "Waking the Witch" on Hounds of Love. It all changed. For some reason, once I started listening to the accompaniment and the lyrics, her voice settled into place and it all clicked.
So for folks out there who are quick to jump to the melodramatic comments on her voice, consider a second attempt with a little more attention to content.
You might just be surprised.
I love the album cover. Setting sun, sound waves, islands, mirror image, etc. really neat.
bowiefreak wrote: I think to appreciate Kate you have to start with the original version of "Wuthering Heights" and appreciate her somewhat eccentric style of pop in order to open your heart and mind to the beauty of her music
I see your point, but at the same time that's exactly the problem -- I can't get past Wuthering Heights and the pretentiousness.
geez this is getting worse and worse
Judging by the dispersion of responses to this song, I think a Psych student could use this song as measure to separate personality types ...
Way to go Kate! This is great!
This is just a little too much for me.
I have to say, I started out being completely annoyed by the frequency of play as well as the music itself, but the more I hear the more I really like. It has an ethereal quality. Kind of powerful the way it ebbs and wanes...
I have never heard a single song by her that I could tolerate.
meloman wrote:
Kate Bush must be one of the most pretentious artists in popular music today. A great song for the roller skating rink!
Just checked out her web page. I've never seen anyone so full of themselves before! Yikes!
I bought this album because of all the comparisons of her to Tori, and I can't get through the first few songs. It gets on my last nerve! Makes a good coaster set though!
Kate Bush must be one of the most pretentious artists in popular music today. A great song for the roller skating rink!
I understand it's not everybody's cup of tea, but I agree with some of my RP listeners: she's beautiful, gifted and creative. And has a voice to match. The whole package. This song I believe has a subtle crescendo and finishes as it should.
Just wonderful... It takes a lot to lift me out of Monday afternoon, but this did it!
Hearing echoes of Sigur Ros and Emmylou Harris. Really enjoying this song. She's sehr creative -
gshrieves wrote:
Seeing some of the negative comments here makes me understand now why Kate does not want to release any of the songs from the second disc (A Sky of Honey - which includes Nocturn) as singles. It really must be heard and understood as a whole piece, I suppose.
Although I guess some folks will always have bad taste.
Ouch
Seeing some of the negative comments here makes me understand now why Kate does not want to release any of the songs from the second disc (A Sky of Honey - which includes Nocturn) as singles. It really must be heard and understood as a whole piece, I suppose.
Although I guess some folks will always have bad taste.
TobalMoreno wrote:
this is eating away at the back of my eyeballs, and slowly driving me insane.
wow, that sounds serious...
Wow, intiially i was really unhappy with where this song was going... but as it got into the groove and got into it, did the "huh. This is really good..." - i'd almost want the track to keep going. (I know I'm in the minority here :)
this is eating away at the back of my eyeballs, and slowly driving me insane.
Ok, I have been tyring to wait this one out, but I have finally cracked. I am officially tired of this song. Next!
I think this song along with the whole album is just amazing...all it takes is some patience. Once you get it you really get it...
Make it stop 
It's an okay tune...but it's not good enough to be as long as it is. Enough already!
This just touches me...
Forgive me, but this seems a bit too smooth and bland. Not unlike baby food. Just my opinion though.
The beat is a bit monotone, no? I think this was meant to sound way more "deep" and mystical, to carry me away it's not enough. But it is long and does build up if you like it, no?
This album really put Kate on the map for me!
I don't like this after Beetoven... this is just a bit too random. I was really looking forward to Nirvana or Floyd.
kazuma wrote:
I appreciate your comment, and as a writer myself, I'm aware of what you're saying. Still, I generally don't care for it, although I have seen that, in the right hands, exceptions can work. As usual, it's a matter of personal taste, I suppose, which is all I was saying (or trying to say) in the first place.
Oh no...I understand. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't... I've struggled with them myself in my own poetry.
This song isn't one of her best, I do enjoy her stuff, not a HUGE fan but I don't hate it either... still don't know how to rate it. Can't decide.
turnergirl1of2 wrote:
actually, that's called a slant rhyme and it's perfectly acceptable- even in the world of poetry.
I appreciate your comment, and as a writer myself, I'm aware of what you're saying. Still, I generally don't care for it, although I have seen that, in the right hands, exceptions can work. As usual, it's a matter of personal taste, I suppose, which is all I was saying (or trying to say) in the first place.
Oh... Ouch! I actually winced when I discovered that Kate Bush was behind this song. Too bad for her.
revevad1 wrote:
Mari, thank you for all the insights on this artist and others past!
Yeah, I appreciate your postings as well, Mari!
kazuma wrote:
Not to be quibbly, but 'atlantic' and 'panoramic' don't actually rhyme. Rhymes that don't rhyme are one of my pet peeves. To me, that's just lazy writing.
Hmmmm, maybe you feel the same way and your comment was sarcastic?
actually, that's called a slant rhyme and it's perfectly acceptable- even in the world of poetry.
wbl wrote:
I tried to like it but it is just icky! I gave it my first '1'.
My first 1 too!
kazuma wrote:
Not to be quibbly, but 'atlantic' and 'panoramic' don't actually rhyme. Rhymes that don't rhyme are one of my pet peeves. To me, that's just lazy writing.
Hmmmm, maybe you feel the same way and your comment was sarcastic?
Sorry but you need to get a hobby!
Wow it almost morphs into Fleetwood Mac's World Turning at the end.
I am definitely not a fan of this tune.
Mari, thank you for all the insights on this artist and others past!
MCKY wrote:
we stand in the atlantic and become panoramic-nice rhyme.
Not to be quibbly, but 'atlantic' and 'panoramic' don't actually rhyme. Rhymes that don't rhyme are one of my pet peeves. To me, that's just lazy writing.
Hmmmm, maybe you feel the same way and your comment was sarcastic?
Bo-oho-oho-oho-ring...
Because she's one of the more innovative sounds out there. 
Why is Kate Bush aired so much? Please stop that. Please stop that
Inventive... but the weird harmony is a bit much to take.
Awful... 
we stand in the atlantic and become panoramic-nice rhyme. Love KB
I tried to like it but it is just icky! I gave it my first '1'.
Stellar! 
we become panoramic
Aerial's "Sensual World"
kate is filmic beautific
huebdoo wrote:
I still love Kate and she is one of the first women of music that I found not only incredibly sexy but also someone that has always pushed the envelope of music and the place for women in it.
However, I think Kate might want to try something new... I find this song really interesting but goes nowhere by the end I want it just to end.
Kate you can do much much better. You are still a Goddess, Alas this song isn't stellar.
I rather like the journey, and am in no rush to reach the destination. To each their own, eh? This has enough variety to keep me interested, and I DO love the beginning in particular!
Luscious, one of the standout tracks from the new album. Must remember to upload more :)
I agree with some of the sentiments in the comment below, except that I really like this song. I've been a Kate fan for decades, attracted by her sensuality and her willingness to explore the boundaries of music. This CD is a beautiful picture of life, and I find that when I try to rate each of the songs seperately it is like trying to rate The Mona Lisa by looking only at her eyes; each part requires the rest to complete the work of art. I guess I'm just really glad to have Kate back.
I still love Kate and she is one of the first women of music that I found not only incredibly sexy but also someone that has always pushed the envelope of music and the place for women in it.
However, I think Kate might want to try something new... I find this song really interesting but goes nowhere by the end I want it just to end.
Kate you can do much much better. You are still a Goddess, Alas this song isn't stellar.
Kind of sounds like Fleetwood Mac's "Tusk" at the end.
jah_blessed wrote:
Second time I heard this and it's not improving. The build-up is intriguing, but it doesn't really go anywhere.
I agree...I like Kate but her vocals (on this song) don't seem to agree with me...especially when she slows it down...gets kind of shakey and pitchy.
oh yeah...good for data entry...mmhmmhhmm...make me think of my baby...
You've gotta be kidding me
dmax wrote:
The quiet of the dawn moves to the energy of the night where the dreamers begin their dreaming
She's simply happy, and not delerious or giddy. Life is good, and that's what this is about.
thanks for your eloquence dmax - 100%
dmax said it like it is.
robc wrote:
Was not sure if I was going to get this recording but now it's definitely on the must have list
Thank you for your assessment. It sounded dead on to your desription for me. It is now on my must have list as well.
dmax wrote:
I was on a long drive yesterday and put this whole album on - the second of the two albums contained in the Aerial package.
It's not an album to play at a party, or to have on in the background - and I wouldn't be surprised that that's a part of the negative reaction with casual listening here on RP.
Like Eno's "Another Green World," the whole album is a mood. It begins with day (the birds), progresses through evening (She sings "Goodnight, sun/son" and her child's voice replies "Goonight, mummy..." to signal the end of the day), and then this song, Nocturne, begins. The quiet of the dawn moves to the energy of the night where the dreamers begin their dreaming. The Aerial on the roof is her, standing there and welcoming the very good life she sees around her.
The album's a meditation on her contentment. It's everything that contemporary music isn't: it's not driven, it's not full of angst, it's not trying to make a political point, it's not an immature emotional outburst. She's simply happy, and not delerious or giddy. Life is good, and that's what this is about.
Was not sure if I was going to get this recording but now it's definitely on the must have list
dmax wrote:
Like Eno's "Another Green World," the whole album is a mood. It begins with day (the birds), progresses through evening ...
Thanks, that's a very helpful description, although I can't say that it makes me want run out and buy the album. I was a huge KT fan as a kid, but at this point The Kick Inside is the only album of hers that I still enjoy.