Talula


"Talula" is a song by Tori Amos, released as the second single from her 1996 album Boys For Pele. It reached number 22 on the UK Singles Chart and appeared in the Jan de Bont film Twister.
The single version, titled "The Tornado Mix", is remixed by BT, who went on to work with Amos on "Blue Skies", and includes a minor dance beat. In the UK, "Talula " replaced the original version of the song on the album and eventual re-pressings in the US and Australia.
BT also remixed an extended mix called the "Synesthasia Mix" which appeared on copies of the single.

Meaning

The song is about the concept of ideal woman and the fear of losing someone. The lyrics includes references to queens like Marie Antoinette and Anne Boleyn.
The B-side "Sister Named Desire" is a reference to Delirium's sister/brother Desire of Sandman, created by Amos' friend Neil Gaiman. The character of Delirium is frequently inspired by Tori, although Delirium was created before Gaiman met her. "Desire" was later remastered for the compilation Where's Neil When You Need Him?, which featured tracks inspired by Gaiman's work. This is not the first nor last time Tori has mentioned Neil Gaiman; he is referenced in her songs: "Tear in Your Hand", "Space Dog", "Horses", "Hotel", "Carbon", and "Not Dying Today".

Personnel

UK CD Version 1

  1. "Talula " - 3:43
  2. "Talula " - 11:27
  3. "Amazing Grace/Til’ the Chicken" - 6:48

    UK CD Version 2

  4. "Talula " - 3:43
  5. "Frog on My Toe" - 3:40
  6. "Sister Named Desire" - 5:29
  7. "Alamo" - 5:11

    US Maxi-Single

  8. "Talula " - 3:43
  9. "Samurai" - 3:03
  10. "Frog on My Toe" - 3:40
  11. "London Girls" - 3:20
  12. "Talula " - 11:27

    US Promo Single *PRCD 6736-2*

  13. "Talula "
  14. "Talula "
  15. "Samurai"
  16. "Frog on My Toe"
  17. "London Girls"
  18. "Talula "

    Charts