Kate

Notes on "Kate (what it is to be her)"

This song was workshopped at Songstudio 2021.

It began as an attempt to topline a song to my own beat. The only other topline I had done was with Krystof Abrenica to a beat by Murray Daigle - it was for Songstudio 2019, and the beat couldn't be used outside the workshop. But it was really fun to do and quite successful with audiences, so I wanted to do another.

The lyrics started at the same time, but weren't attached to a tune. I was writing about 1978, when I was living in London, pretty lonely, and into exploring my own inner realities. I would muse on the Tube on my way into London, observing things and reacting, and the story arises from those musings.

To write it I just freestyled the verse and chorus over the music. Both music and lyrics were way out of my comfort zone, and presenting the first time was nerve-wracking but that was a good thing, I think. Anyway it was positively received, and the version recorded here is a reworking and musical fleshing-out, incorporating some ideas that Theo Tams (the workshop mentor) suggested.

It's not polished at this writing - might use some vocal harmonies. I'll keep updating as I get new ideas.

Kate (what it is to be her)

Words and Music © David Keeble July 2021

Kate rides on the Underground. She helps me see
when the tunnel of vision is blocked by misogyny.
If I ask her she sits with me.
Kate lends me her eyes, she is willing to share
what she sees; what she feels in her body;
her view of the world; new ways I can care.

Chorus:

Kate is my alternate fate,
is the spirit that wonder creates,
the spirit that wonder creates.
Kate is my underground mystery warrior whisperer,
willingly lets me share
what it is to be her (2x)

Kate reminds me to lower my eyes
as men spread on the bench with half open flies.
She doesn’t demonize.
Kate has a humour that’s second to none.
In spite of it all, she really is fun,
sees the foolish in everyone.

CHORUS

Bridge

She is a second self, I don’t share her with anyone.
She cannot be outdone; she’s not scared of the long run.
She is a sibling soul, an unrealizable twin.
She is my next of kin; I’m so grateful she lets me in.

Kate takes the space that she needs to be free.
She goes where she wants, but her look slides away,
and she holds herself carefully.
Kate shows me what streets I can walk,
how to manage my eyes, but deep down inside
she is free in our intimate talk.

CHORUS