Them Heavy People

Kate Bush

About Them Heavy People

"Them Heavy People" is a song written and recorded by Kate Bush, from her debut album The Kick Inside. It was issued as a single in Japan only with the title "Rolling the Ball" reaching number 3, its only release worldwide as an A-side. The song is about religion, and the teachings of Jesus and Gurdjieff, among others. The song expresses an insistent desire to learn as much as possible, while she is still young. A Seiko logo appears on the insert's back side, which makes it Bush's only commercial release featuring any kind of product endorsement. Bush also appeared in TV commercials and print ads for the brand in Japan. A live recording of this song was the lead track on the On Stage EP which reached number 10 in the UK singles chart in 1979. In the Netherlands, the EP was listed as Them Heavy People in the Top 40 chart, making it basically an A-side. It peaked at number 17 in 1979. Bush performed "Them Heavy People" on several TV programmes including her only appearance on Saturday Night Live in the US and the short-lived Revolver in Britain. 


Year:
1978
3:05
169 
#1

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Rolling (rolling) the ball, rolling (rolling) the ball, rolling (rolling) the ball to me
Rolling (rolling) the ball, rolling (rolling) the ball, rolling (rolling) the ball to me

They arrived at an inconvenient time
I was hiding in a room in my mind
They made me look at myself 
I saw it well, I'd shut the people out of my life
So now I take the opportunities
Wonderful teachers ready to teach me
I must work on my mind 
For now I realize
Everyone of us has a heaven inside

Them heavy people hit me in a soft spot
Them heavy people help me
Them heavy people hit me in a soft spot
Rolling the ball (rolling), rolling the ball (rolling), rolling the ball to me

They open doorways that I thought were shut for good
They read me Gurdjieff and Jesu
They build up my body, break me emotionally
It's nearly killing me, but what a lovely feeling!
I love the whirling of the dervishes
I love the beauty of rare innocence
You don't need no crystal ball
Don't fall for a magic wand
We humans got it all, we perform the miracles

Them heavy people hit me in a soft spot
Them heavy people help me
Them heavy people hit me in a soft spot
Rolling the ball (rolling), rolling the ball(rolling), rolling the ball to me

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Kate Bush

Catherine "Kate" Bush (born 30 July 1958) is an English singer-songwriter, musician and record producer. Her eclectic musical style and idiosyncratic vocal style have made her one of the United Kingdom's most successful solo female performers of the past 30 years. more »

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Written by: KATE BUSH

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Them Heavy People" was written and performed by English singer-songwriter Kate Bush.
Album Details
The song is from her award-winning debut album, "The Kick Inside," which was released in 1978.
Inspiration
The song was inspired by Bush's interest in meditation and religion.
Commercial Performance
"Them Heavy People" reached number seven on the UK Singles Chart making it one of her three songs to reach the top ten in the UK charts.
Lyrics Content
The lyrics of the song are a tribute to the people who helped her early in her career.
Tour Performance
It was performed as part of her only tour, "The Tour of Life" in 1979.
International Performance
The song also charted well in Japan, reaching number three on the singles chart.
Notable TV Performance
One of her memorable performances of the song was on 'Saturday Night Live' where she played piano and sang.
Official Video
The official video of "Them Heavy People" showcased her distinctive mime and interpretive dance style, which was a significant part of her artistic expression.
Musical Composition
The song is famous for its Caribbean vibe, attributed to its reggae pop elements, a genre that Bush was known to incorporate in her music.
Cover Versions
Several artists, notably Ra Ra Riot and The Nolans, have covered "Them Heavy People" in their style, showcasing the song's musical flexibility and appeal.
Rolling the Ball to Me
The song is also known by its alternate title "Rolling the Ball to Me," which repeats in the song's chorus.
Spiritual References
"Them Heavy People" contains several religious references including to Gurdjieff and Jesu, who were spiritual teachers.
Release Controversy
Despite the song's successful charts performance, it was not officially released in the UK and was only available as an import.
French Version
There's a French version of this song, titled “Ces Gens-Là,” which Kate recorded in 1979.

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