Before winter time is over I’d like to share this amazing performance of a fascinating artist, the one and only Tori Amos. She was unknown to me until 2013 when a friend of mine sent me a link to watch this “Live At Montreaux 91/92” video.
In first place I thought she was the one who became supporting act to Bob Dylan and Merle Haggard shows during the spring tour in 2005, when it was actually Amos Lee, instead. I received back then from a trader of mine a good recording of Dylan’s Foxwoods show in Masantucket, CT. The tape included part of Amos Lee performances and I liked those tracks a lot. Nothing to do with Tori Amos voice, obviously, but you know, I mixed them up because of the coincidence between their first and last names. I was researching to talk about it as I started to think of this article when I realized my mistake, and I must admit I have been confused all of this time since I first listened to this performance I’m sharing here.
Anyway, she’s so unique that I’m still stunned of how could I have mixed her up with anybody else. Just listen to this beautiful song; her awesome delivery with that wonderful piano playing:
Winter
Talk: Mmm… This is my next song… this is… er… for my dad.
Wipe my nose get my new boots on
I get a little warm in my heart when I think of winter
I put my hands in my father’s glove
I run off where the drifts get deeper
Sleeping Beauty it drips me with a frown
I hear a voice you must learn to stand up
For yourself cause I can’t always be around
He says, when you gonna make up your mind
When you gonna love you as much as I do
When you gonna make up your mind
‘Cause things are gonna change so fast
All the white horses are still in bed
I tell you that I’ll always want you near
You say that things change my dear
Boys get discovered as winter melts
Flowers come pleading for the sun
Years go by and I’m here still waiting
Withering where some snowman was
Mirror mirror where’s the crystal palace
But I only can see myself
But I know dad, the Ice is getting thin
When you gonna make up your mind
When you gonna love you as much as I do
When you gonna make up your mind
‘Cause things are gonna change so fast
All the white horses are still in bed
I tell you that I’ll always want you near
You say that things change my dear
Hair is gray and the fire is underneath
So many dreams on the shelf
You say I wanted you to be proud of me
I always wanted that myself
When you gonna make up your mind
When you gonna love you as much as I do
When you gonna make up your mind
‘Cause things are gonna change so fast
All the white horses have gone ahead
I tell you that I’ll always want you near
You say that things change my dear
And never change
All the white horses…
Songwriter:
TORI AMOS
Published by
Lyrics © SWORD AND STONE PUBLISHING CO.
I can’t help but have a deep stirring feeling when I listen to her talk to her father the way she does in this song. It really touches me to the core when she says, “…And never change” just before the end. Her father may be a Methodist priest, but in spite of it I have to agree with Wikipedia description, telling she is considered one of the most relevant avant-garde female artists of the 1990s, for her lyrically opaque yet intensely emotional songs covering a wide range of topics including sexuality, feminism, politics and religion.
It’s cold outside and the day is cloudy. I didn’t leave home yet today and I don’t feel like doing it anyhow. This “Winter” song makes me feel lonely, like withering myself at home where the river flows near the naked park and the empty street where I live. I feel glad, though, that I have this feeling and can some way relate myself to this heartbreaking lyrics. I know, miss Tori Amos, sometimes it is Winter in the heart. It’s hard to realize we have so many dreams on the shelf; find out there are always lies around; to know some things never change. It’s all so sad at times… but it’s just a wonder to find out someone can express this kind of feeling so well. And I feel grateful to you, miss Amos, for writing and singing this song the way you did in Montreux; the way you surely do every time you perform it live. God bless you, Tori Amos.
The Hypnotist Collector
El Coleccionista Hipnótico 
I could not watch the video since it was not available in my country but I have liked Tori Amos for some time. She had a hit record called Cornflake Girl and from memory she plays the piano very well. You have sparked my interest and I will see what I can find on Utube that is allowed to watch down under.
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Hi Robert! I’m so gad I could spark your interest. Look for this video on YouTube, Live at Montreux 1991/92. I hope you can find it available in your zone. She’s so great!
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I heard Tori Amos first studio album “Little Earthquakes” in 1992. If there is something to complain about in the debut, then maybe the quality of the songs towards the end of the record decreases somewhat, but at the beginning are pearls after pearls “All That Years”, “Crucify”, “Girl”, “Silent All These Years”, or the all-out-of-the-way “Winter.” All songs are very melodious, impressive and simply beautiful “Rocker”, more for dreamers.
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Thank you so very much for your expert comment on Tori Amos debut álbum “Little Eathquakes.” I certainly agree with you, the first few songs are pearl after Pearl. Yeah, you may say I am a dreamer, but I love those melodious songs.
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This is a wonderful piece on Tori Louis!! I had the honor of meeting her 15 years ago and she was as charming and lovely as you would want to believe. She certainly casts a spell on all who listen to her lovely voice. Have a wonderful day! – Lola 🌺
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Thanks a lot for your kind and intriguing comment. I wonder how wonderful it must have been for you to meet her in 2002, when she was already a star, and discover she was as charming and lovely as you describe her. No doubt she cast a spell on those who care to listen to her lovely voice. Have a fabulous afternoon/evening, Lola.
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😃
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Wow 😳… truly a very beautiful song Luis…
It does depicts winter..
and I’m so sorry 😐 you are feeling the winter blues…
It’s a cold winter my Spanish pedazo…
But spring is almost here…
and I do hope your music 🎶 will keep you warm till then…
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Oh how wonderful, post on Tori Amos ❤ ❤ that I adore dearly and – well her music, espeically her version of Nirvana's 'Smells Like Ten Spirit' is something that will never leave my mind and heart. Thank you for this beautifuly written post on an important artist that this world should treasure – her music touches deeply our spirit – recently I watched again her song 'A Sorta Fairytale' and loved the video that is a short story of love, how we can grow in it and become real human beings…By the way, have a look at my new post dear Friend -it's about the movie that I think you've seen already – and about artists that always need to have their secrets – and why – you'll learn when you visit my blog:) Have a blessed Sunday dear Friend.
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It is a beatiful song. Do you like Lana del Rey?, She has so many excellent songs I added a Brief playlist as a widget on my blog, just in case you want to take a look, errh. A listen ❣💌
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Oh yes, I like her a lot, I didn’t listen to so many of her songs, but I liked a lot what I have known of hers. A beautiful voice and good taste singing. I will certainly take a listen to your playlist. Thanks to let me know about!
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Been listening to your Lana del Rey playlist! Beautiful songs indeed
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Wonderful… 😀 I knew you might like her. ⭐ This is the last song I discovered by her (and fell in love with the lyrics and music)… It was never officially released in any album: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpUdFK32-xY Sending love!
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