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

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2046









Released: 2000
Length: 3:25
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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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 (202)add comment
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Yes, it's reminiscent of "Black Boys on Mopeds".
No problem; they're both great songs.



Yes, that came to mind for me too. 

Posted 5 months ago by Dmarsden67    [ Reply ]
I have seen her live a couple of times. Possibly the most modest and yet talented artist around. Love her Leonard Cohen covers.
Posted 2 years ago by ninfield    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:


Je doet dus geen flikker?!


Hahaha, geweldig!!! 
Posted 2 years ago by robin_at_domani    [ Reply ]
"'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.
Posted 3 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 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?!
Posted 4 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
 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
Posted 4 years ago by ger-man    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 6 years ago by skyhigh_71    [ Reply ]
yes, for this genre, granted a narrow one, this is quite good
Posted 6 years ago by jambo    [ Reply ]
To me 8 - Most Excellent  
Posted 6 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
awesome!
Posted 7 years ago by DocStrangelove    [ Reply ]
Yes, it's reminiscent of "Black Boys on Mopeds".
No problem; they're both great songs.
Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
maybe this should have been played before Lucinda Williams not after
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
I love this the way I love Lana DelRay on SNL. 
Posted 9 years ago by LizK    [ Reply ]
 cbrandtbuffalo wrote:

It's "Play something different,"

Ah, that's better than "post-stroke depression", which was what I found when looking it up.
Posted 9 years ago by gpvos    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 9 years ago by cbrandtbuffalo    [ Reply ]
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...

 


Posted 9 years ago by Fabienne    [ Reply ]
A good song can quickly become an annoyance when overplayed.  This is the case with this song, as overplayed on SirriusFX. Sorry to say.
Posted 9 years ago by ahoylola    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 9 years ago by Dukkha    [ Reply ]

 

Krakus wrote:

Very calming, excellent tune for writing boring reports.

 


Posted 9 years ago by kendyce    [ Reply ]
Very calming, excellent tune for writing boring reports.
Posted 9 years ago by Krakus    [ Reply ]
 luisrey wrote:

No kidding, hey?

  9 so true


Posted 9 years ago by sweet_annie    [ Reply ]
The cello works very nicely {#Clap}
Posted 9 years ago by Bluenoser    [ Reply ]
There was a flicker on the verge this afternoon.
Posted 9 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 musicology wrote:
wow. 6.5 average rating? tough audience...

 
No kidding, hey?
Posted 10 years ago by luisrey    [ Reply ]
Snoozefest
Posted 10 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]

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}


Posted 10 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
from 1 to a 0 for me
Posted 10 years ago by leafmold    [ Reply ]
+1 - Another "Stopped in Tracks" moment, here
Posted 10 years ago by wbeaver    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 11 years ago by desertsong    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 11 years ago by Sloggydog    [ Reply ]
Love this song. So pretty.
Posted 11 years ago by Marley    [ Reply ]
 the what world needs - another introspective singer/songwriter. 
Posted 11 years ago by zenhead    [ Reply ]
{#Sleep}
Posted 11 years ago by junebaby65    [ Reply ]
wow. 6.5 average rating? tough audience...
Posted 11 years ago by musicology    [ Reply ]
Is there a trick to using PSD--half the time I try I cannot get it to work.
Posted 11 years ago by leafmold    [ Reply ]
for those who sleep, feel free, otherwise get back to your grunters & screamers!  Thumbs up to an eight.
Posted 11 years ago by wolfbrother    [ Reply ]
 cheesemonger wrote:
meh.  another breathy girl who sings out of her head. big snooze.

 
My thoughts exactly.
Posted 11 years ago by leafmold    [ Reply ]
 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. 
Posted 11 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
If I was Sinead O'Connor, I'd sue her for blatantly plagiarizing Black Boys on Mopeds.
Posted 11 years ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
 hopper99 wrote:
A bit dim and dull, ain't it?
 
nailed it!!
Posted 12 years ago by shellbella    [ Reply ]
 hopper99 wrote:
A bit dim and dull, ain't it?
 
Yes.


Posted 12 years ago by leafmold    [ Reply ]
Blossom Dearie lives!!!
Posted 12 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
A bit dim and dull, ain't it?
Posted 12 years ago by hopper99    [ Reply ]
Isnt Flicka a movie about a horse?
Posted 12 years ago by Blastcat900    [ Reply ]
10{#Hug}
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 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
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 12 years ago by Aural_not_Oral    [ Reply ]
 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. 
Posted 13 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
wow thanks for the reminder,  I would have suffocated without this life saving song.

-1

coy wrote:
breathe



Posted 13 years ago by to_the_eleven    [ Reply ]
meh.  another breathy girl who sings out of her head. big snooze.

Posted 13 years ago by cheesemonger    [ Reply ]
breathe
Posted 13 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 13 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
I would love to hear Tom Waits sing this ...

Posted 13 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
 Snoopy2 wrote:
I like the picture
 
I don't know, seems kinda boring too. . . 
 
Posted 13 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
I like the picture
Posted 13 years ago by Snoopy2    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 13 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
The melody reminds me of "Three Babies" by Sinead O'Conner. That's all I can hear when listening to this song. 3
Posted 13 years ago by DeemerDave    [ Reply ]
Not in the mood for this.  3
Posted 13 years ago by Johnny_Wave    [ Reply ]

Really like this song, thanks Bill


Posted 13 years ago by jktravl    [ Reply ]
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.

Posted 13 years ago by jeremyleo    [ Reply ]
She has sweet voice
Posted 13 years ago by Mojoboy    [ Reply ]
I'd like to flick her... if ya know what I mean.

Don't worry, neither do I. 
Posted 13 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
Oh man, this song again?  This is -way- too mellow, and it's getting pretty overplayed on RP.
Posted 13 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
nice string buzz
Posted 13 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
can't find the download on itunes or amazon - where can this be purchased online ?
Posted 13 years ago by 11eLeVin11    [ Reply ]
Song title translates poorly into Dutch (= derogatory for gay)
Posted 14 years ago by drews    [ Reply ]
Radio Paradise is really getting too soft... I feel like I need to play some Mantovani or something to kick things into gear.

Posted 14 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
{#Fever}  Excellent hangover music, feel better already.
Posted 14 years ago by Mr_Outrage    [ Reply ]
It feels good {#Bounce}
Posted 14 years ago by mrdak    [ Reply ]
 gjeeg wrote:
Black Boys On Mopeds without the rage.
 

Exactly what I was thinking.
Posted 14 years ago by posworld    [ Reply ]

Posted 14 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
I like it!!
Posted 14 years ago by heliootoni    [ Reply ]
Amazing voice and instrumental!!
(Almenara, Brazil)

Posted 14 years ago by heliootoni    [ Reply ]
Such a pretty song. Taught myself to play it on guitar. Now if I could only sing like she can....
Posted 14 years ago by Marley    [ Reply ]
"Bill and his soft-melodious girlZ"!

I love them too!

Posted 15 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
not my "usual" listening fare (as in something I'd buy) but I do like this song.  Most excellent
Posted 15 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
 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)

Posted 15 years ago by truebeliever    [ Reply ]
 gjeeg wrote:
Black Boys On Mopeds without the rage.
 


Posted 15 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
beautiful lyric, voice, melody - all this there

Posted 15 years ago by Dmitrii    [ Reply ]
 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".

Posted 15 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Black Boys On Mopeds without the rage.
Posted 15 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
Is it over yet?
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
This is a wonderful song, and a great record, too.

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


Posted 15 years ago by conglif    [ Reply ]
OK. I've decided this is a 10.  You can all stop commenting now.{#Mrgreen}
Posted 15 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
another mopey song about breathing

Posted 15 years ago by to_the_eleven    [ Reply ]
Meh
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
One of my favorite RP songs! So pretty!
Posted 15 years ago by Marley    [ Reply ]
 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}
Posted 15 years ago by toterola    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
songs with cellos all gets 8s at least.
 
I agree with giving cellos their due.  8 minimum.

Posted 15 years ago by Mark7    [ Reply ]

this seems like a cello/violin set today.


Posted 15 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 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.


Posted 15 years ago by gpvos    [ Reply ]
 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.

Posted 16 years ago by stevendejong    [ Reply ]
 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!").

Posted 16 years ago by nate917    [ Reply ]
{#Motor}

I think you folks are looking to deep into this...just a quick reflective of life...
Posted 16 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
Very soothing. I totally love it for this chilly afternoon and my hot cup of honeybush tea.{#Meditate}
Posted 16 years ago by Kittee    [ Reply ]
songs with cellos all gets 8s at least.
Posted 16 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 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.
Posted 16 years ago by tobstar    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
I really dislike adult women singing in a child-like voice
Posted 16 years ago by reason06    [ Reply ]
that'll be her dog on the beach then
Posted 16 years ago by drews    [ Reply ]
you guys need to hear the new album, Leave To Remain! How come nobody is chatting about that record? It's amazing!!!!
Posted 16 years ago by cheaplullabyjoe    [ Reply ]
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)
Posted 16 years ago by rickhoran    [ Reply ]
7!
Posted 16 years ago by oscar_driver    [ Reply ]
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)
Posted 16 years ago by ihategrapejuice    [ Reply ]
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
Posted 16 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by rickhoran    [ Reply ]
Does this remind anyone else of Ryan Adams' "Sylvia Plath" ?
Posted 16 years ago by ihategrapejuice    [ Reply ]
sorry folks - this is a Sinead O'Conner rip-off
Posted 16 years ago by dangelo    [ Reply ]
A breath of fresh air, Mmmmmmmmmm.
Posted 16 years ago by Flick    [ Reply ]
Heard it too much and never really liked it to begin with. 3->2
Posted 16 years ago by schrodingersdog    [ Reply ]
flicka! love it!
Posted 16 years ago by enidualc    [ Reply ]
anyone have this cd? is it any good?
Posted 16 years ago by rickhoran    [ Reply ]
I really do love this song... thank you for introducing this artist to me.
Posted 16 years ago by Glitnoreafax    [ Reply ]
So sweet after listening to Dylan's voice.
Posted 16 years ago by frednic    [ Reply ]
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.
Posted 16 years ago by burdell    [ Reply ]
i like to listen to it, when it's time to go to bed. this works better than any pill.
Posted 16 years ago by keyholder    [ Reply ]
grade lowered 6>5 (and falling... this is REALLY dull)
Posted 16 years ago by ulibcn    [ Reply ]
Me likee.
Posted 16 years ago by Flick    [ Reply ]
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...
Posted 16 years ago by tompoll    [ Reply ]