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In shaping the narrative for new documentary
Amy
, director Asif Kapadia decided to use the lyrics
penned by late neo-soul vocalist Amy Winehouse as something like title cards, to mark the various
chapters of the artist’s stormy life. We’re having a look at the lyrics Kapadia chose to include, and
where those fragments of personal poetry – written by the musician as she crafted the tracks for
her two studio albums – fit into her small but astonishing discography.
By Zoë Radas.
I wouldn’t write anything unless it was directly personal to me,
just because I wouldn’t be able to tell the story right.
-
Amy Winehouse
In My Bed
, track eight on
Frank
(2003)
This was Winehouse’s third
single. The accompanying
video clip (which follows lyrics
about a relationship in stasis and
consequent infidelity) was directed by
Paul Gore, who has also created clips for
Massive Attack, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club,
and DJ Shadow.
Stronger Than Me
, track one on
Frank
(2003)
The debut track fromWinehouse’s first album
reached #71 on the UK singles chart – which would
be the lowest position of any single of the musician’s
career. According to a verbal comment from
Winehouse’s friend in Kapadia’s film,
Stronger Than
Me
sold 800 copies on its first day of release. She
wrote it about and during her first ever relationship,
but the track’s message soaks several other parts
of the film.
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