Annabel

Album: Tales Of Us (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This work of baroque instrumentation and hushed vocals finds Alison Goldfrapp sighing about a girl trapped in the body of a boy: "why couldn't they let you be both?"

    The song was inspired by Canadian short story writer and novelist Kathleen Winter's 2010 novel, Annabel, about a hermaphrodite who's raised as a boy but dreams of being a girl.
  • The song's black-and-white video was directed by Alison Goldfrapp's romantic partner, filmmaker Lisa Gunning. It follows the adventures of a little boy in the countryside who is accepted for his true self by his mother, played by the singer.

Comments: 2

  • Michael from Toronto, Ontario, CanadaHey Liselotte from N/a - Hermaphrodite is NOT DISRESPECTFUL....Perhaps it's not for the unstudious, like yourself. Grow up. The child of Hermes and Aphrodite, aka: Hermahroditus. Get an education.
  • Liselotte from N/aPlease, this is Not about trans! It is about a baby that is born intersex (Not hermaphrodite, that's the old word and Very much disrespectful!!) They had surgery and made the baby to a boy. And when he grow up, he realize that he want to be a girl. And her name is Anabel!! Read the book if you don't belive me!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.