Kiwanuka

MICHAEL KIWANUKA

HISTORIA

COLD LITTLE HEART

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PLAYLIST

Significado Cold Little Heart

Michael Kiwanuka Cold Little Heart | Behind Big Little Lies theme song

michael kiwanuka cold little heart

10 hypnotic and immersive minutes kick off “Love & Hate” record. So does a short version with each episode of ‘Big Little Lies’. Do you know that thing that we all do, skipping the intro song to watch the series straightaway? The opposite happens with this song, people are looking forward to hearing the tune every time. Discover Michael Kiwanuka Cold Little Heart meaning.

Michael Kiwanuka Cold Little Heart

Trembol | Cold Little Heart Meaning. Why is it Kiwanuka’s nemesis?

I must admit that I have not seen ‘Big Little Lies‘ series. In fact, when I heard “Cold Little Heart” for the first time a couple of years ago I did not know who Michael Kiwanuka was, but I thought that the song was not only wonderful but cathartic, as if whoever was singing it was trying to free himself from something. Today, after learning more about Michael Kiwanuka’s story, I understand it better so I’ll tell you 😉

In a nutshell, Michael suffered from an excess of humility and used to give up easily. First the acoustic guitar and then the discovery of his voice paved the way towards his self-recognition.

That personal fight against his inner nemesis lasted almost 30 years and is reflected in “Cold Little Heart”, a soulful song.

The tune is a harsh confession about the shortcomings of the song’s protagonist in relationships. The person knows well about his own past failures and doesn’t really believe he can get any better. It is a sad prospect to which the protagonist seems resigned.

Beyond the deep theme, the song is musically mind-blowing. Just look at any ‘Big Little Lies’ fan and you’ll see they recognize the electric guitar and the “Ooooh!” choral in one seconds. Find out more about it on our Technical Note.

 

Michael Kiwanuka explains his personal and musical evolution:

Big Little Lies main theme

Michael Kiwanuka Facebook Image

kiwanuka cold

Michael Kiwanuka Facebook Image

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Being a first generation person in England – the early years you’re just trying to fit in to whatever anyone else is doing because you feel different.

Then you get older and you think about your identity. You think more about your heritage and family. Then you try and go backwards to see how it all started for you. Their stories shape my music more and more, they affect my life more and more as I get older.

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Siendo alguien de primera generación en Inglaterra – los primeros años solo intentas encajar en lo que sea que estén haciendo los demás porque te sientes diferente.

Luego te haces mayor y piensas en tu identidad. Piensas más en tu herencia y familia. Luego intentas retroceder para ver cómo empezó todo para ti. Sus historias dan forma a mi música cada vez más, afectan mi vida cada vez más a medida que me hago mayor.

TUNES

Discover the story behind other wonderful songs

You can’t miss ⭐️ The best parts of Cold Little Heart (Album Version)

1. The unmistakable “Ooooh” choral. The moment that ‘Big Little Lies‘ series fans love

2. An electric guitar solo that petrifies, while the vocals go “Believe in you and I

3. Sublime final statement. Only voice and guitar. He doesn’t know whether he will get any better.

This is what it says | Michael Kiwanuka Cold Little Heart Lyrics

Englihs lyrics

LYRICS MICHAEL KIWANUKA | COLD LITTLE HEART | ENGLISH

Did you ever want it?
Did you want it bad?
Ohhh, my
It tears me apart
Did you ever fight it?
All of the pain
So much pride
Running through my veins

Bleeding, I’m bleeding
My cold little heart
Oh I, I can’t stand myself

And I know
In my heart, in this cold heart
I can live or I can die
I believe if I just try
You believe in you and I
In you and I
In you and I
In you and I

Did you ever notice
I’ve been ashamed
All my life
I’ve been playing games
We can try and hide it
It’s all the same
I’ve been losing you
One day at a time

Bleeding, I’m bleeding
My cold little heart
Oh I, I can’t stand myself

And I know
In my heart, in this cold heart
I can live or I can die
I believe if I just try
You believe in you and I
In my heart, in this cold heart
I can live or I can die
I believe if I just try
You believe in you and I
In you and I
In you and I
In you and I
In you and I
In you and I
In you and I
In you and I

Maybe this time I can be strong
But since I know who I am
I’m probably wrong
Maybe this time I can go far
But thinking about where I’ve been
Ain’t helping me start

LYRICS IN SPANISH

LYRICS MICHAEL KIWANUKA | COLD LITTLE HEART | SPANISH

¿Alguna vez lo quisiste?
¿Lo querías con todas tus fuerzas?
Ohhhh, Dios mío
me destroza
¿Alguna vez luchaste contra ello?
Todo el dolor
tanto orgullo
corriendo por mis venas

Sangrando, estoy sangrando.
mi pequeño y frío corazón
Oh, no puedo soportarme a mí mismo.

Y sé
en mi corazón, en este corazón frío
puedo vivir o puedo morir.
Creo que si lo intento
Tú crees en ti y en mí
en ti y en mí
en ti y en mí
en ti y en mí

¿Alguna vez te diste cuenta
de que he estado avergonzado?
Toda mi vida
he estado jugando
Podemos tratar de esconderlo
da lo mismo.
Te he estado perdiendo
día a día

Sangrando, estoy sangrando.
mi pequeño y frío corazón
Oh, no puedo soportarme a mí mismo.

Y sé
en mi corazón, en este corazón frío
puedo vivir o puedo morir.
Creo que si lo intento
tú crees en ti y en mí
En mi corazón, en este corazón frío
puedo vivir o puedo morir.
Creo que si lo intento
tú crees en ti y en mí
en ti y en mí
en ti y en mí
en ti y en mí
en ti y en mí
en ti y en mí
en ti y en mí
en ti y en mí

Tal vez esta vez pueda ser fuerte
pero como sé quién soy
probablemente me equivoque.
Tal vez esta vez pueda llegar lejos
pero pensando en dónde he estado
no me ayuda a comenzar

Songwriters: Brian Burton / Michael Kiwanuka / Dean Josiah Cover | Cold Little Heart lyrics © Sweet Science | Background Image Michael Kiwanuka Facebook page

3 songs to know Michael Kiwanuka 🥇

1. “Love & Hate”, the song that gives name to Michael Kiwanuka’s 2nd album is 7 minutes of delight.

2. From his acclaimed first album, “Home Againis a sensitivity use up without any artifice.

3. Fred Hampton, leader of the Black Panther, is the main instigator of “Hero”, one of Michael Kiwanuka’s favourite songs.

Did you know...?

When Michael Kiwanuka was told that “Cold Little Heart” was going to be used for a new HBO series called ‘Big Little Lies‘ he thought it would be featured in just one scene.

Only when his followers on Social Media began to increase exponentially and the tickets for all his concerts in the United States were sold out immediately, did he realize that it was the actual series theme tune, which was also an overwhelming success.

Kiwanuka joked about the song’s popularity in America, saying that his record company would like him to include ‘Cold Little Heart’ again on his new album, Kiwanuka. He said:

I don’t want to be an ungrateful, entitled artist, but I do have other music 😉

Cold Little Heart” original version lasts almost 10 minutes because Michael was trying to chase some kind of emotional feeling with the music.

As he declared, the album was much more like painting, vivid, taking time to develop each musical idea.

kiwanuk

Michael Kiwanuka Facebook Image

Much more | Live Sessions, Versions, etc.

Technical Note about Michael Kiwanuka | Cold Little Heart

  • The song is in B flat Major (B♭) key.
  • Michael Kiwanuka was trying (and I would say he succeeded) to write kind of a suite with ‘Cold Little Heart’.
  • The song produces the same orchestral sound as certain 70’s Soul music like Funkadelic “Maggot Brain or Isaac Hayes “Walk On By, with an intro that slowly evolves building the song. This way Kiwanuka achieves the suite effect he was chasing.

‘Cold Little Heart’ musical details

  • The full 10-minute version is a masterpiece. It sets the audience for what the album will be with a 5-minute instrumental intro (not very usual in modern pop), which reaches its own climax before the vocal section kicks in and makes the song come full circle in a prodigious way.
  • Choral vocals and chimes slowly build the song as the electric guitar and drums come in.
  • Michael Kiwanuka’s guitar, which is reminiscent of Pink Floyd or The Who, plays the main melody until he starts singing.
  • On the contrary, in the short version (that of the radio) everything begins with syncopated drums accompanying the emblematic choral voices.
  • Both versions feature snare hits and hi-hat (2-cymbal set) that are completely catching.
  • It is surprising how incredibly well balanced everything is; the supporting pieces can be heard perfectly.
  • And what about Kiwanuka’s voice! At first it sounds clean and clear, with just a little reverb. He holds the first note giving it a rough touch in the end evoking a moving feeling. This added to the emotional string section makes a magical combination.
play Cold Little Heart

MIchael Kiwanuka Facebook Image

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You can work out what has happened in history through the music … it’s all in there

Michael Kiwanuka

cold little heart

MIchael Kiwanuka Facebook Image

michael kiwanuka cold little heart
michael kiwanuka cold little heart

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11 Comments
  1. CSCC

    Love the in-depth analysis of Michael Kiwanuka’s ‘Cold Little Heart’! The story behind the song is fascinating and adds a new layer of appreciation for the lyrics. As someone who’s always been drawn to soulful, indie music, this post has reignited my passion for Kiwanuka’s work. Great job!

    Reply
  2. Ed

    I love this song! It’s so beautiful and meaningful.

    Reply
  3. Pete

    I love this song! It’s so beautiful and meaningful.

    Reply
  4. UPTOWISH

    I love this song! It’s so beautiful and meaningful.

    Reply

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