Better Angels

Album: Christmastide (2020)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Tori Amos wrote this Christmas tune in the midst of a stressful 2020 as the world was in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic and Americans dealt with a particularly turbulent presidential election. The song also brought a message of hope as folks were struggling with sacrificing their holiday traditions to combat the virus.

    "With 'Better Angels' I wanted to acknowledge the year we have all been through and know that there is hope," she explained in a press release. "We can find that hope within ourselves if we continue to focus our collective minds and souls. We are slowly starting to find a clearer path to transform together for the better of all."
  • This was the first track released to promote Amos' four-track holiday EP, Christmastide. The alt-rock singer released a full-length Christmas album, Midwinter Graces, in 2009.
  • Amos is joined by her longtime collaborators, drummer Matt Chamberlain and bassist Jon Evans.
  • Amos issued a winter-themed animated lyric video, which features her cartoon counterpart, to accompany the song.
  • The vinyl features illustrations by graphic artist Rantz Hoseley, who also edited Comic Book Tattoo, a 2008 anthology graphic novel based on Amos' music.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Melanie

MelanieSongwriter Interviews

The singer-songwriter Melanie talks about her spiritual awakening at Woodstock, "Brand New Key," and why songwriting is an art, not a craft.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie Combination

Stand By Me: The Perfect Song-Movie CombinationSong Writing

In 1986, a Stephen King novella was made into a movie, with a classic song serving as title, soundtrack and tone.