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Kathryn Williams — Flicker
Album: Little Black Numbers
Avg rating:
6.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1972









Released: 2000
Length: 3:25
Plays (last 30 days): 1
I watch you wait
At the bus stop with one eye
On your watch
You turn and say
To strangers there's not enough time
For one man in one life
Just a flicker and then a breeze
Breeze, breeze

But you sit there for hours
Watching programmes you don't
Plan to watch they just come on
And if you had one chance to change
Would you review your plans?

'Cause there's not enough time
For one man in one life
Just a flicker and then a breeze
Breeze, breeze

I keep my time
Saved in a box
From going fast in cars
I've piled it up high
From saying hello to friends
With a quick goodbye

'Cause there's not enough time
For one man in one life
Just a flicker and then a breeze
'Cause there's not enough time
For one man in one life
Just a flicker
And a breeze
Breeze, breeze, breeze, breeze, breeze...
Comments (201)add comment
I have seen her live a couple of times. Possibly the most modest and yet talented artist around. Love her Leonard Cohen covers.
 justin4kick wrote:


Je doet dus geen flikker?!


Hahaha, geweldig!!! 
"'Cause there's not enough time
For one man in one life
Just a flicker and then a breeze"

These lyrics hit me like a wrecking ball in the chest. But I think I need this message right now.
 burdell wrote:
I'm trying to get some work done here. Please stop playing such intriguing songs that make me start researching artists instead of more productive stuff.
 

Je doet dus geen flikker?!
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Yes, it's reminiscent of "Black Boys on Mopeds".
No problem; they're both great songs.
Weil´s gersde passt:

Does anybody remember Dopeheads on mopeds?

Greetings from Bavaria to all the listeners outside. Stay safe
 ihategrapejuice wrote:
Does this remind anyone else of Ryan Adams' "Sylvia Plath" ?
 
Both songs have very standard "folk" chord progressions and the melodies are pretty standard as well - sort of lullaby-like melodies.  There are hundreds of songs with that sort of phrasing in 3/4 time.
Outstanding song from her best album.

Had the pleasure of seeing her play live in a small venue in Bristol UK with an audience of <200 - simply wonderful.
yes, for this genre, granted a narrow one, this is quite good
To me 8 - Most Excellent  
awesome!
Yes, it's reminiscent of "Black Boys on Mopeds".
No problem; they're both great songs.
maybe this should have been played before Lucinda Williams not after
I love this the way I love Lana DelRay on SNL. 
 cbrandtbuffalo wrote:

It's "Play something different,"

Ah, that's better than "post-stroke depression", which was what I found when looking it up.
 Fabienne wrote:
Could please someone explain to a European woman what PSD does mean? Google wasn't very helpful... I'm pretty sure nobody wants to write "photoshop data file" when they want to have a bath with a toaster {#Doh}

 
Dukkha wrote:
I normally love this song, but in the context of my day today it makes me want to take a bath with the toaster... PSD...

 

 
It's "Play something different," which is the button in the header if you're listening on the website, also available in the apps. Nice when you don't like the current song and want something different. It goes back to the main stream after the one "different" song.
Could please someone explain to a European woman what PSD does mean? Google wasn't very helpful... I'm pretty sure nobody wants to write "photoshop data file" when they want to have a bath with a toaster {#Doh}

 
Dukkha wrote:
I normally love this song, but in the context of my day today it makes me want to take a bath with the toaster... PSD...

 


A good song can quickly become an annoyance when overplayed.  This is the case with this song, as overplayed on SirriusFX. Sorry to say.
I normally love this song, but in the context of my day today it makes me want to take a bath with the toaster... PSD...

 

Krakus wrote:

Very calming, excellent tune for writing boring reports.

 


Very calming, excellent tune for writing boring reports.
 luisrey wrote:

No kidding, hey?

  9 so true


The cello works very nicely {#Clap}
There was a flicker on the verge this afternoon.
 musicology wrote:
wow. 6.5 average rating? tough audience...

 
No kidding, hey?
Snoozefest

listenin' to this song closely, whilst stirrin' my mornin' porridge, the lyrics are timeless, this song will not grow old, love it so much! {#Sunny}


from 1 to a 0 for me
+1 - Another "Stopped in Tracks" moment, here
 Sloggydog wrote:
9 > > 10.  Any song that stops me in my tracks from what I am doing to think I love this tune is well worthy of a 10.  Beautiful.

 
Just happened to me.  Stopped me in my tracks. And that doesn't happen very often.  This one is special.
9 > > 10.  Any song that stops me in my tracks from what I am doing to think I love this tune is well worthy of a 10.  Beautiful.
Love this song. So pretty.
 the what world needs - another introspective singer/songwriter. 
{#Sleep}
wow. 6.5 average rating? tough audience...
Is there a trick to using PSD--half the time I try I cannot get it to work.
for those who sleep, feel free, otherwise get back to your grunters & screamers!  Thumbs up to an eight.
 cheesemonger wrote:
meh.  another breathy girl who sings out of her head. big snooze.

 
My thoughts exactly.
 hopper99 wrote:
A bit dim and dull, ain't it?
 
Or is it sweet and sensitive?

One man's tosh is another's delight. Deal with it. 
If I was Sinead O'Connor, I'd sue her for blatantly plagiarizing Black Boys on Mopeds.
 hopper99 wrote:
A bit dim and dull, ain't it?
 
nailed it!!
 hopper99 wrote:
A bit dim and dull, ain't it?
 
Yes.


Blossom Dearie lives!!!
A bit dim and dull, ain't it?
Isnt Flicka a movie about a horse?
10{#Hug}
 ch83575 wrote:

I think what you mean is:  if this were performed by Sinead O'Connor it would be a lot better.  

Now that I would agree with. 
 

PUH-leez
 jeremyleo wrote:
I must give kudos to the dance choreographers at my daughter's dance school.  They constantly surprise me by using wonderful, eclectic, intelligent music for the numbers they choreograph for recitals and competitions.  This is one of those songs.  I often suspect they listen to RP.

The images I see when I hear this track are of kids at a dance competition, layered in makeup and rhinestones, floating around on a stage.  If the choreography is right it can be moving, and in this case it was.

 
Great comment. When music can remind you of a wonderful experience in your life, that is sublime.

 rdo wrote:


If it were performed by Sinead O'connor its rating would be a lot higher.  This 6.5 rating is bullshit.
 
I think what you mean is:  if this were performed by Sinead O'Connor it would be a lot better.  

Now that I would agree with. 
wow thanks for the reminder,  I would have suffocated without this life saving song.

-1

coy wrote:
breathe



meh.  another breathy girl who sings out of her head. big snooze.

breathe
 gjeeg wrote:
Black Boys On Mopeds without the rage.
 

If it were performed by Sinead O'connor its rating would be a lot higher.  This 6.5 rating is bullshit.

I would love to hear Tom Waits sing this ...

 Snoopy2 wrote:
I like the picture
 
I don't know, seems kinda boring too. . . 
 
I like the picture
 DeemerDave wrote:
The melody reminds me of "Three Babies" by Sinead O'Conner. That's all I can hear when listening to this song. 3
 

Or "Black Boys On Mopeds" is what I was thinking. {#Yes}   And she sounds like she could be Dido's sister.
The melody reminds me of "Three Babies" by Sinead O'Conner. That's all I can hear when listening to this song. 3
Not in the mood for this.  3

Really like this song, thanks Bill


I must give kudos to the dance choreographers at my daughter's dance school.  They constantly surprise me by using wonderful, eclectic, intelligent music for the numbers they choreograph for recitals and competitions.  This is one of those songs.  I often suspect they listen to RP.

The images I see when I hear this track are of kids at a dance competition, layered in makeup and rhinestones, floating around on a stage.  If the choreography is right it can be moving, and in this case it was.

She has sweet voice
I'd like to flick her... if ya know what I mean.

Don't worry, neither do I. 
Oh man, this song again?  This is -way- too mellow, and it's getting pretty overplayed on RP.
nice string buzz
can't find the download on itunes or amazon - where can this be purchased online ?
Song title translates poorly into Dutch (= derogatory for gay)
Radio Paradise is really getting too soft... I feel like I need to play some Mantovani or something to kick things into gear.

{#Fever}  Excellent hangover music, feel better already.
It feels good {#Bounce}
 gjeeg wrote:
Black Boys On Mopeds without the rage.
 

Exactly what I was thinking.

I like it!!
Amazing voice and instrumental!!
(Almenara, Brazil)

Such a pretty song. Taught myself to play it on guitar. Now if I could only sing like she can....
"Bill and his soft-melodious girlZ"!

I love them too!

not my "usual" listening fare (as in something I'd buy) but I do like this song.  Most excellent
 gjeeg wrote:
Black Boys On Mopeds without the rage.
 
True, but in my opinion it is O'Connor's extraordinary ability to invoke emotion that separates her from the pack of lots of nice voices (like Williams)

 gjeeg wrote:
Black Boys On Mopeds without the rage.
 


beautiful lyric, voice, melody - all this there

 nate917 wrote:
... her "child-like" voice, though I kind of like it, doesn't evoke a child for me . . .
 
I agree. Who's to say this isn't her normal voice? She's singing quietly, but that doesn't make it "childlike".

Black Boys On Mopeds without the rage.
Is it over yet?
This is a wonderful song, and a great record, too.

And thank you, RP for turning me on to it!


OK. I've decided this is a 10.  You can all stop commenting now.{#Mrgreen}
another mopey song about breathing

Meh
One of my favorite RP songs! So pretty!
 Mark7 wrote:

I agree with giving cellos their due.  8 minimum.

 
Songs with cellos. Nice. Listen to this version of "So Much Trouble" by Matt Pond PA. I really like the cello in it. {#Wave}
 rdo wrote:
songs with cellos all gets 8s at least.
 
I agree with giving cellos their due.  8 minimum.

this seems like a cello/violin set today.


 stevendejong wrote:
It seems "hip" nowadays to have girly voices whisper at you, which drives me up the wall. In The Netherlands, we now have some TV commercials where girls try to sell you all kinds of rubbish (cosmetics and a bank, to be precise) by whispering.
 
Actually, in the Netherlands this has been a kind of a musical fad recently; a few compilation CDs with songs by "zuchtmeisjes" (sighing girls) or filles fragiles have been brought out. Think Carla Bruni and even Je t'aime, moi non plus. I like this kind of singing and indeed have a Kathryn Williams CD, though not this one.

Doubted about giving this one an 8, but made it a 7.


 reason06 wrote:
I really dislike adult women singing in a child-like voice
 
My words.

It seems "hip" nowadays to have girly voices whisper at you, which drives me up the wall. In The Netherlands, we now have some TV commercials where girls try to sell you all kinds of rubbish (cosmetics and a bank, to be precise) by whispering. Somehow it is almost even more offensive than those loudly shouting male voices damaging your eardrums with their "BUY NOW" message.

Slightly off-topic diversion. Back to the topic. You don't even need to be able to actually sing to euhm, sing like this. Yuck.

 reason06 wrote:
I really dislike adult women singing in a child-like voice
 
I wonder, then, are you a woman?  I ask because I kind of like the affectation, and I wonder if it's a sexist-man-pig thing that I can't help.  I'm not into baby-talk per se.  And her "child-like" voice, though I kind of like it, doesn't evoke a child for me; that I wouldn't care for, as I have a young daughter.  (No Humbert Humbert I.)

SNL's Jan Hooks once criticized Victoria Jackson for that baby-talk voice (along the lines of "good god, woman, you've had a lower register since you were 13 — use it!").

{#Motor}

I think you folks are looking to deep into this...just a quick reflective of life...
Very soothing. I totally love it for this chilly afternoon and my hot cup of honeybush tea.{#Meditate}
songs with cellos all gets 8s at least.
 reason06 wrote:
I really dislike adult women singing in a child-like voice

 
So do I, this however sounds like an adult women singing in adult women's voice.
ihategrapejuice wrote:
The way the melody moves up and down, especially these parts, seems so similar. (F)__I watch you wait / at the bus stop... (SP)_I wish___I___had___Sylvia Plath And again with: (F)_'cause there's not enough time ... (SP)_______________She___and___I___... (F)_____for one man__in one life ... (SP)_would sleep on__a boat______... (F)__just a flicker__and then__a breeze (SP)_and swim in_____the sea___without clothes (sorry for all the underscores, i wanted these to line up right)
pretty big fuckin stretch dude, although i do hear what you're talking about. but there's just too many songs out there to be cross referencing which ones sound alike. chill.
I really dislike adult women singing in a child-like voice
that'll be her dog on the beach then
you guys need to hear the new album, Leave To Remain! How come nobody is chatting about that record? It's amazing!!!!
I don't hear it. sylvia plath is slower and is a piano and guitar, thats it, I think. I love both songs but i don't hear it. Now what would be way cool if RP would play both consecutively. ihategrapejuice wrote:
The way the melody moves up and down, especially these parts, seems so similar. (F)__I watch you wait / at the bus stop... (SP)_I wish___I___had___Sylvia Plath And again with: (F)_'cause there's not enough time ... (SP)_______________She___and___I___... (F)_____for one man__in one life ... (SP)_would sleep on__a boat______... (F)__just a flicker__and then__a breeze (SP)_and swim in_____the sea___without clothes (sorry for all the underscores, i wanted these to line up right)
7!
rickhoran wrote:
No! how are you doing that comparison? music isn't similiar except the tempo maybe.
The way the melody moves up and down, especially these parts, seems so similar. (F)__I watch you wait / at the bus stop... (SP)_I wish___I___had___Sylvia Plath And again with: (F)_'cause there's not enough time ... (SP)_______________She___and___I___... (F)_____for one man__in one life ... (SP)_would sleep on__a boat______... (F)__just a flicker__and then__a breeze (SP)_and swim in_____the sea___without clothes (sorry for all the underscores, i wanted these to line up right)
If she is ripping off SInead then I feel sorry for Kathryn because she could do better dangelo wrote:
sorry folks - this is a Sinead O'Conner rip-off
ihategrapejuice wrote:
Does this remind anyone else of Ryan Adams' "Sylvia Plath" ?
No! how are you doing that comparison? music isn't similiar except the tempo maybe.
Does this remind anyone else of Ryan Adams' "Sylvia Plath" ?
sorry folks - this is a Sinead O'Conner rip-off
A breath of fresh air, Mmmmmmmmmm.
Heard it too much and never really liked it to begin with. 3->2
flicka! love it!
anyone have this cd? is it any good?
I really do love this song... thank you for introducing this artist to me.
So sweet after listening to Dylan's voice.
I'm trying to get some work done here. Please stop playing such intriguing songs that make me start researching artists instead of more productive stuff.
i like to listen to it, when it's time to go to bed. this works better than any pill.
grade lowered 6>5 (and falling... this is REALLY dull)
Me likee.
Sounds to me like someone didn't tune the guitar to quite the same reference as the cello. The cello sounds sharp against the guitar. Picky, picky...
Somebody wake me when it's over.