"Concertina" is a song written and performed by American singer/songwriter

Tori Amos Tori Amos (born Myra Ellen Amos; August 22, 1963) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist. She is a classically trained musician with a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Having already begun composing instrumental pieces on piano, Amos won a full ...

, released as the fourth and last single from her 1999 album ''

To Venus and Back ''To Venus and Back'' (stylised in all lowercase) is a double album by American singer, songwriter and pianist Tori Amos. Released on September 21, 1999, it comprises her fifth studio album and first live album. The first disc, entitled ''Venus ...

''. The commercial CD single was released in February 2000.

Background and release

The title of the song refers to the musical instrument

concertina A concertina is a free-reed musical instrument, like the various accordions and the harmonica. It consists of expanding and contracting bellows, with buttons (or keys) usually on both ends, unlike accordion buttons, which are on the front. The ...

. The lyrics use it as a metaphor to describe the experience of discomfort and unease in a social setting, likening it to being a squeezebox. When recording the song, Amos wanted to combine the acoustic piano with electronic drums, as she felt the dichotomy complimented the themes of the lyrics, which describe sensory discomfort in a "fierce calm" and being changed "particle by particle". In the interview for her cover story in ''

Alternative Press Alternative press may refer to: Individual publications * ''Alternative Press'' (magazine), an American music magazine Alternative journalism * Alternative media ** Alternative media (U.S. political left) ** Alternative media (U.S. political r ...

'' in October 1999, Amos commented on the content of the song: Since 1999, the song has been featured in all of Amos' world tours, except the 2005 Original Sinsuality Tour in support of ''

The Beekeeper The Beekeeper may refer to: * Beekeeper, a person who raises honey bees * The Beekeeper (1986 film), ''The Beekeeper'' (1986 film), a Greek drama art film * The Beekeeper (2024 film), ''The Beekeeper'' (2024 film), an American action film * The Bee ...

''. ''Concertina'' was included on the setlist for the DVD release of Amos' concert for ''

Live from the Artists Den ''Live from the Artists Den'' is a three-time New York Emmy-nominated music television series that features popular recording artists performing in non-traditional settings throughout North America. ''Live From the Artists Den'' broadcasts natio ...

'' in 2010.

Track listing

Enhanced CD single, February 8, 2000: # Concertina (The single mix) 3:58 #

Famous Blue Raincoat "Famous Blue Raincoat" is a song by Leonard Cohen. It is the sixth track on his third album, '' Songs of Love and Hate'', released in 1971. The song is written in the form of a letter (many of the lines are written in amphibrachs). The lyric tell ...

(Live) 5:24 # Twinkle (Live) 2:49 # Music video for "

Glory of the 80s Glory may refer to: Honor and renown * Glory (honor), high renown, praise, and honor obtained by notable achievements * ''Kleos'', the Greek word for "glory", often translated to "renown" (what others hear about you) Arts and entertainment Ficti ...

" Promotional CD single, February 8, 2000: # Concertina (The single mix) 3:57 # Concertina (The album mix) 3:57

Promotion and chart performance

No music video was filmed for the song. A promo CD single featuring both the single and album mix of the song was released to radio stations. ''Concertina'' was performed live on the television show Later... with Jools Holland. The song was featured in setlists during Amos' 1999 concert tour in support of the album.

References

External links

Tori Amos official website
{{authority control Tori Amos songs 2000 singles Atlantic Records singles Songs written by Tori Amos 1999 songs