Left Handed Kisses
by Andrew Bird (featuring Fiona Apple)

Album: Are You Serious (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Andrew Bird duets with Fiona Apple on this slice of chamber pop. We hear Apple portraying a romantic and Bird a sceptic. "My inclination was to write a song about why I can't write a simple love song," Bird explained. "The song began as an internal dialogue. At first it was just my voice. Then another voice came creeping in and I thought 'this should be a duet if I can find the right person.'"

    "I needed to find someone really indicting. She was totally committed," he added. "The session was a long whiskey-fueled night - unhinged, for sure. All worth it, of course. I can't write simple love songs. People are complex."
  • Andrew Bird told DIY magazine: "It began as an internal conversation. There was no need for pronouns. Point, counterpoint. Four years later Fiona Apple is singing the role of my own self loathing. Life is funny."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?