"Raspberry Swirl/Cruel" | ||||
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Artwork for international release (UK CD single pictured)
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Single by Tori Amos | ||||
from the album From the Choirgirl Hotel | ||||
Released | August 24, 1998 (GER) September 7, 1998 (AUS) November 24, 1998 (US) December 18, 1998 (CA) |
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Format | CD | |||
Recorded | 1998 | |||
Genre | Electronic dance | |||
Label | Atlantic | |||
Songwriter(s) | Tori Amos | |||
Producer(s) | Tori Amos | |||
Tori Amos singles chronology | ||||
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"Raspberry Swirl" is a song written and performed by Tori Amos. It was released as the second single from her 1998 album From the Choirgirl Hotel in Germany and Australia, and as the third and final single in North America and the UK. In the United States it was released as a double A-side single with "Cruel", off the same album. In Germany, Australia and the UK it was released as its own single. Two variations of an identical 12" vinyl promotional release were issued in the U.K.
"Raspberry Swirl" was Amos' first single to be nominated for a Grammy Award, being nominated for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance in 1999.
"Raspberry Swirl" is about Amos' past relationship with a female friend and was written in response to the men in her relationships.
"In some of my relationships with a few of my women friends, I play a certain role. Heh, this is really getting in...I know, I hope my father's not watching this. He just doesn't know what to do. The straight-jacket's coming. But you know I always told my dad – you know, gays, lesbians, he just has to get used to it. One of the nieces and nephews is gonna be one, he's just gotta get ready. So what I said was ah to Beenie, who's the love of my life. My husband understands this, that we're married. We're absolutely married. And I adore her with all my heart. And she's dated some idiots. And I hope you're watching. I want you to know what I think of you and in another life, I'll absolutely kick your ass. And I'm going to kick it right now actually, because this is for her and I'm in love with her. So everybody, off your asses!"
The video for Raspberry Swirl was directed by Barnaby & Scott and filmed in August 1998.
"The fourth track, Raspberry Swirl (as in, unsurprisingly, 'Boy, you better make her raspberry swirl"), is the key," enthused John Aizlewood in Q's review of From the Choirgirl Hotel. "Seemingly throwaway, its programming doffs a cap to dance [and] Amos' treated vocals recall Van Helden mixmastery. Before 30 seconds have passed, she's declared 'Let's go' and in one cathartic moment becomes her own woman again, via the remainder of a song that doesn't need twists to shine."
"Raspberry Swirl" was released in the United States and Canada as a double A-side with "Cruel".
"Raspberry Swirl" was released in Germany as a single title.
Two variations of a 12" vinyl promotional single were issued in the UK. They share a catalog number but have different artwork.