Who is It

Björk

About Who is It

"Who Is It (Carry My Joy on the Left, Carry My Pain on the Right)" is a song recorded by Icelandic singer Björk for her fifth studio album Medúlla. It was released as the lead single from the album on 18 October 2004 by One Little Indian Records. Björk wrote "Who Is It" during the recording sessions for her previous album, Vespertine (2001), when it was known as "Embrace Fortress"; she left it off the album it as she felt it came from "a different family". The final version features throat singer Tanya Tagaq and beatboxer Rahzel, and lyrics reflecting the dialogue between mother and child. Critics praised "Who Is It" as exuberant and catchy. It peaked in the top five on the single charts in Spain and reached the top 30 in Italy and the United Kingdom. The music video was directed by Dawn Shadforth and shot outdoors in Iceland, and features Björk in a bell-shaped dress designed by Alexander McQueen. During the promotional campaign for Medúlla, Björk performed the song on a number of occasions, such as Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and L'Album de la semaine. She performed it on "Who Is It" subsequent tours. It has been covered by Bon Iver and Kurt Elling. 


3:23

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His embrace a fortress
Carries me, and places
A skeleton of trust
Right beneath us
Bone by bone
Rock by rock

If you ask yourself patiently
Who is it, who is it, who is it ?

Who is it
That never lets you down?
Who is it
That gave you back your crown?
The ornaments are
They're goin' around
And they're handin' it over, handin' it over

Who is it
That never lets you down?
Who is it
That gave you back your crown?
The ornaments are
They're goin' around
And they're handin' it over, handin' it over

We all have been to the still place [???]
We all have learned the lightness
I carry my pain on my right
But I carry my joy on my left

If you ask yourself patiently
Who is it , who is it , who is it ?

Who is it
That never lets you down?
Who is it
That gave you back your crown?
The ornaments are
They're goin around
And they're handin' it over, handin' it over

Who is it
That never lets you down?
Who is it
That gave you back your crown?
The ornaments are
They're goin around
And they're handin' it over, handin' it over, handin' it over

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Björk

Björk Guðmundsdóttir ( /ˈbjɜrk/; [ˈpjœr̥k ˈkvʏðmʏntsˌtoʊhtɪr] ( listen); born 21 November 1965), known simply as Björk, is an Icelandic singer-songwriter. Her musical style is eclectic and she has achieved recognition in rock, jazz, electronic dance music, classical, and folk. more »

1 fan

Written by: BJORK GUDMUNDSDOTTIR

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album Information
"Who Is It" is a song by Icelandic singer Björk from her fifth studio album Medúlla, released in 2004.
Genre Classification
The song is rather unique in its sound, venturing into the realm of experimental pop and a cappella music.
Singing Technique
The song features Björk’s one-of-a-kind vocal style, with a vocal range from C♯3 to D5. This showcases her impressive versatility as a vocalist.
Music Video
The music video of "Who Is It" represents a departure from Björk's usual surreal and abstract videos. Instead, it features the singer in a bell dress designed by Alexander McQueen.
Production
Entirely produced by Björk herself, "Who Is It" perfectly encapsulates her unique approach to music production. Every sound heard is created by the human voice, enhanced by subtle electronic effects.
Lyrics
Lyrically, the song explores the theme of identity. It delves into the universal human experience of not knowing someone as intimately as we would like to.
Sales Performance
"Who Is It" was released as a single and peaked at number 26 on the UK Singles Chart. Despite not making a significant commercial impact, it was met with positive critical reviews.
Collaborators
The widely-respected and renowned beatboxer Rahzel is a featured vocalist on the track. His vocal contributions lend a rhythmic element to the song.
Live Performances
During live performances of the song, the Bell Choir of London would often accompany Björk with their hand-bell performance, a unique take on her already unique sound.
Cover Art
The cover art of 'Who Is It" shows Björk dressed as a swan, a design that became iconic in pop culture.
Accolades
The song was nominated for a 2005 Grammy Award in the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance category. Despite not winning, the nomination cemented Björk's status as a critically acclaimed artist.
Impact and Influence
"Who Is It" is often cited as a demonstration of Björk's innovative and exploratory approach to music, proving her to be one of pop music's most boundary-pushing artists.

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