Tears for Water

Last updated
Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics
Tears for Water Songbook of Poems and Lyrics.jpg
Author Alicia Keys
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Genre Poetry
Publisher G. P. Putnam's Sons
Publication date
November 4, 2004 (2004-11-04)
Pages179
ISBN 0-425-20560-6

Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics is a collection of poems and lyrics written by American recording artist Alicia Keys. It was first issued in the United States as a hardcover edition by G. P. Putnam's Sons, on November 4, 2004. Later in November 2005, it was issued in Canada and Europe in paperback format by Berkley Books. The book consists of twenty-seven poems and lyrics to songs from her studio albums Songs in A Minor (2001) and The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003).

Contents

The book appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list and has generated over 500.000 dollars in sales. [1] [2] Another volume was planned for release in fall 2005. [3] To promote the book, Keys appeared on The Early Show and at Barnes & Noble store where she signed copies of it. [4] [5] In 2006, she appeared on the television series Def Poetry Jam , citing the poem "P.O.W.". [6] The book was re-released in October 2018 with a new cover.

Background and release

It's actually gonna be a collection of my poetry and unreleased lyrics and songs from the albums. It's also connected with stories about what provoked me to write what you read. It's very personal and intense and shows a lot of different sides of me. It's gonna be beautiful, it's a great first book.

Keys,talking about the book to MTV News . [7]

In late 2003, Keys released her second studio album The Diary of Alicia Keys to commercial and critical success. [8] Following was a tour from March to April 2004, The Verizon Ladies First Tour, that she co-headlined with Beyoncé and Missy Elliott. [8] [9] In March 2004, it was reported that a dispute had broken out between literary agents Noah Lukeman and David Vigliano, with Lukeman claiming that he had the right over Vigliano to represent Keys for book publishers, possibly delaying the release of the book. [10] In May 2004, it was announced that Keys had signed a deal to publish two books with G.P. Putnam's Sons, "Songbook" and "The Diary of Alicia Keys". [11] The president of G.P. Putnam's Sons, Carole Baron, commented that "It isn't everyday you are offered the opportunity to publish someone as unbelievably talented as Alicia Keys. Her story is as inspiring as it is astonishing, and we are excited to be publishing her story, in her own words". [11]

Keys explained that "[the book] won't be exactly autobiography, but I love to read so much that I want to make sure the story is really powerful, like Catcher in the Rye or one of the books I love". [12] The title of the book is derived from one of the poems, "Love and Chains", which contains the line: "I don't mind drinking my tears for water". [8] In an interview with The Early Show , Keys further explained that:

And when I read that, it resonated in me because I said, 'Wow, I realized at that moment that all of the songs I write, all of the poetry that I write, every way that I express myself comes from some form of my tears, my pain, my happiness, my joy, my frustration, my confusion.' And I drink them for water to be nourished and to survive, in a way. [13]

The poetry slam themed release party for the book was held at the Harlem Grill in New York City. [14] The release party was hosted by Mums and featured appearances by Kanye West, Mos Def and Common. [14]

Content

Critical reception

Troy Patterson from Entertainment Weekly gave the book a C, stating that "her work would not pass muster in an introductory writing course at a four-year college." [16] Publishers Weekly gave the book a positive review and wrote "nearly half of the book consists of lyrics from her two albums, Songs in A Minor and The Diary of Alicia Keys; while they make a nice complement to the poems, the words feel a bit flat without the blaxploitation beat of "Heartburn", say, or the impassioned vocal delivery of "Fallin'"". [3] The review concluded that "for the Keys completist, however, this will be a compelling book of rock ephemera". [3]

Release history

RegionDateFormatPublisher
Australia [17] November 1, 2005 Paperback Berkley
Canada [18]
Finland [19]
France [20]
Germany [21]
Italy [22]
Japan [23]
Spain [24]
Sweden [25]
United Kingdom [26]
United States [27] November 4, 2004 Hardcover G. P. Putnam's Sons
United States [28] October 28, 2018
  • Paperback
  • Kindle
Berkley

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alicia Keys</span> American singer (born 1981)

Alicia Augello Cook, known professionally as Alicia Keys, is an American singer and songwriter. A classically trained pianist, Keys began composing songs when she was the age of 12 and was signed by Columbia Records at the age of 15. After disputes with the label, she signed with J Records to release her debut studio album, Songs in A Minor (2001). Met with critical acclaim and commercial success, the album sold over 12 million copies worldwide and won five awards at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards. It contained the Billboard Hot 100-number one single "Fallin'." Her second album, The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003) was met with continued success, selling eight million units worldwide and spawning the singles "You Don't Know My Name", "If I Ain't Got You", and "Diary". Its release earned an additional four Grammy Awards.

<i>Confessions</i> (Usher album) 2004 studio album by Usher

Confessions is the fourth studio album by American singer Usher. It was released on March 23, 2004, by Arista Records. Recording sessions for the album took place during 2003 to 2004, with its production handled by his longtime collaborator Jermaine Dupri, along with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and Lil Jon, among others. Primarily an R&B album, Confessions showcases Usher as a crooner through a mixture of ballads and up-tempos, incorporating musical genres of dance-pop, hip hop and crunk. The album's themes generated controversy about Usher's personal relationships; however, the album's primary producer Jermaine Dupri claimed the album reflects Dupri's own personal story.

<i>The Diary of Alicia Keys</i> 2003 studio album by Alicia Keys

The Diary of Alicia Keys is the second studio album by American singer Alicia Keys. It was released on December 2, 2003, by J Records. The album was recorded at several recording studios, and production was handled primarily by Keys with contributions from Kanye West and Kerry Brothers Jr., who described it as "an R&B album".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Breakaway (Kelly Clarkson song)</span> 2004 song by Kelly Clarkson

"Breakaway" is a power ballad song recorded by American singer Kelly Clarkson. The song, written by Matthew Gerrard, Bridget Benenate, and Avril Lavigne, was originally intended for Lavigne's debut studio album, Let Go (2002). After being deemed unsuitable for the album, it was passed to Clarkson to be recorded as a soundtrack for the film The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004). Clarkson, who was finishing her second studio album at that time, recorded "Breakaway" to tide her fans over until the first single from her new album was released. However, the song's success prompted its inclusion on Clarkson's second album, while the record label decided to name the album after the song. "Breakaway" was first released as the first single from The Princess Diaries 2 soundtrack on July 19, 2004. In May 2006, "Breakaway" was reissued as the fifth and final single from the album of the same name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Confessions Part II</span> 2004 single by Usher

"Confessions Part II" is a song by R&B singer Usher, produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox for Usher's fourth album Confessions. Written by Usher, Dupri and Cox, the song is a confession of a man to his woman about his impregnated mistress. This is a continuation of "Confessions Part I" which relates to a man's infidelity. Its personal content evoked rumors and early responses from the public even before its release, believing that Usher was asserting the truth; however, Dupri divulged that the story behind the album is about himself.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alicia Keys discography</span>

American singer Alicia Keys has released nine studio albums, eight live albums, one remix album, six reissue albums, three extended plays, seven box sets, 47 singles as lead artist, and six promotional singles. Throughout her career, Keys has sold over 65 million records worldwide. According to Recording Industry Association of America, Keys is the top certified female R&B artist of the millennium, with 20 million certified albums and 38 million certified digital singles in the United States. Billboard ranked her as the second top female artist of the 2000s decade, fourth top R&B/hip-Hop female artist of the 2010s decade and the 60th Greatest Artist of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Diary (Alicia Keys song)</span> 2004 single by Alicia Keys

"Diary" is a song by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys from her second studio album, The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003). Written by Keys and Kerry Brothers, Jr. and produced by Keys, the song features the American group Tony! Toni! Toné! on bass, piano, guitar, organ and Wurlitzer, while Jermaine Paul provides uncredited additional vocals. It was released on May 24, 2004, as the album's third single. At one time, "Diary" had been released as a double A-side with "If I Ain't Got You".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Ain't Got You</span> 2004 single by Alicia Keys

"If I Ain't Got You" is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys for her second studio album The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003). Inspired by the 2001 death of singer Aaliyah, the September 11 attacks, and other events in the world and in Keys' life, the song is about "how material things don't feed the soul". It was released as the second single from The Diary of Alicia Keys on February 17, 2004, by J Records. The single cover depicts Keys similarly to the subject of Man Ray's 1924 photograph Le Violon d'Ingres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Violet Nicolson</span> English poet

Violet Nicolson, otherwise known as Adela Florence Nicolson, was an English poet who wrote under the pseudonym Laurence Hope. In the early 1900s, she became a best-selling author.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">My Boo (Usher and Alicia Keys song)</span> 2004 single by Usher and Alicia Keys

"My Boo" is a duet between American R&B singers Usher and Alicia Keys, written by the artists alongside Adonis Shropshire, Manuel Seal, and Jermaine Dupri, the latter of whom produced it with No I.D.—who is uncredited. It was included on the re-release of Usher's fourth studio album, Confessions (2004). The song was released as the album's fourth single on August 29, 2004.

<i>As I Am</i> 2007 studio album by Alicia Keys

As I Am is the third studio album by American singer and songwriter Alicia Keys, released on November 9, 2007, by J Records. Recording sessions for the album took place at various recording studios from 2005 until 2007. Production was handled primarily by Keys, Kerry Brothers Jr., Jack Splash, and Linda Perry, with a guest contribution from musician John Mayer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If I Were Your Woman (song)</span> 1970 song performed by Gladys Knight & the Pips

"If I Were Your Woman" is a song recorded by American family group Gladys Knight & the Pips. It was written by Pam Sawyer, Clay McMurray, and Gloria Jones, produced by McMurray and arranged by Paul Riser. Released in late 1970 from the album of the same title, it spent one week at number 1 on the Best Selling Soul Singles chart in January 1971. It was also successful on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, peaking at number 9.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Empire State of Mind</span> 2009 single by Jay-Z

"Empire State of Mind" is a song performed by American rapper Jay-Z featuring American singer Alicia Keys from the former's 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3 (2009). It was released on October 20, 2009. Produced by Al Shux, the song features a music sample of "Love on a Two-Way Street" performed by The Moments. Angela Hunte and Janet Sewell-Ulepic originally wrote it as a tribute to their hometown, New York City. The following month, they submitted it to Jay-Z's label Roc Nation, whose reviews were discouraging. They later took the suggestion of an associate of EMI Music Publishing and resubmitted it to Jay-Z, who kept the "New York" singing part on the hook, changed the verses, and recorded it. The song's title, similar to "New York State of Mind" by Billy Joel and "N.Y. State of Mind" by Nas, is a wordplay and tribute to New York's nickname "Empire State" and could also be a reference to the Empire State Building in Manhattan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Empire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down</span> 2010 single by Alicia Keys

"Empire State of Mind Broken Down" is a song by American singer Alicia Keys from her fourth studio album, The Element of Freedom (2009). It is an answer song to the Billboard Hot 100 number-one single "Empire State of Mind" performed by Jay-Z featuring Keys. Produced by Al Shux and Keys, the song gained international airplay and download sales although it was only officially released in the United Kingdom as the second single from The Element of Freedom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Speechless (Alicia Keys song)</span> 2010 song by Alicia Keys featuring Eve

"Speechless" is a song by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys, featuring additional vocals from American rapper Eve. It was written by Keys, Eve and Swizz Beatz, and produced by the latter. It samples Kanye West’s 2010 song “Devil in a New Dress”. A dedication to her son Egypt, whom she gave birth to in October 2010, the freestyle collaboration was released as a holiday gift for Keys's fans on Beatz's Monster Mondays program on December 27, 2010. Swizz Beatz later included the song on his mixtape Monster Mondays Vol. 1 (2011). The song charted on number 71 the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in early 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Set the World on Fire Tour</span> 2013 concert tour by Alicia Keys

The Set the World on Fire Tour was the fifth concert tour by American recording artist Alicia Keys in support of her fifth studio album, Girl on Fire (2012). The tour ranked 22nd on Pollstar's annual "Top 100 Worldwide Tours – Year End". It earned nearly $44 million from 70/74 shows.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alicia Keys videography</span>

American recording artist Alicia Keys has appeared in numerous music videos. Her videography includes more than thirty music videos and three video albums. In 2000, Keys signed a recording contract with J Records and released her debut single "Fallin'", taken from her first studio album Songs in A minor (2001). The plot of its music video had Keys traveling to a prison to visit her incarcerated boyfriend and was continued in the video for her next single, "A Woman's Worth;" both videos marked Keys' first collaboration with director Chris Robinson, who would become a regular collaborator later. In 2004, another regular, American director Diane Martel, directed the accompanying music video for the second single from the singer's second album The Diary of Alicia Keys, "If I Ain't Got You", which featured rapper Method Man as Keys' love interest. It won the Best R&B Video accolade at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">International Party</span> 2011 single by Swizz Beatz featuring Alicia Keys

"International Party" is a song by American rapper and record producer Swizz Beatz, released as a single through Everest Entertainment on August 1, 2011. The song was written by Beatz, Avery Chambliss and Tyrone Reginald Johnson, and produced by Beatz. It features vocals from American singer and songwriter Alicia Keys. The music video for the single was directed by Chris Robinson. The song was released as part of the Reethym of Lite footwear campaign by Reebok Classic, for which Beatz at the time served as creative director.

<i>The Vault Playlist, Vol. 1</i> 2017 EP by Alicia Keys

Vault Playlist Vol. 1 is an extended play by American recording artist Alicia Keys released on 7 April 2017 on RCA Records. The extended play contains an acoustic version of "No One" (2007) from her third studio album As I Am (2007), a previously unreleased song "A Place to Call My Own", piano version of "If I Ain't Got You" (2004) from her second studio album The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003) and "Stolen Moments", which was previously released as a live version on Unplugged (2005) and as a bonus track on Japanese edition of her fourth studio album The Element of Freedom (2009).

Here in Times Square is a concert television special featuring American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys. Recorded at Times Square in New York City, the concert featured Keys and various guests performing songs from Keys sixth studio album Here (2016) and her previous albums, as well as covers. The concert was directed by Hamish Hamilton and recorded on October 9, 2016. It aired on BET in the United States on November 3, 2016 and later in other countries.

References

  1. ↑ Garner, Dwight (2004-11-24). "Inside the List". The New York Times . Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  2. ↑ Lafranco, Robert (2005-02-10). "Money Makers". Rolling Stone . Wenner Media. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  3. 1 2 3 "Nonfiction Book Review: Tears For Water: Songbook of Poems & Lyrics by Alicia Keys". Publishers Weekly . 2004-10-24. Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  4. ↑ "Alicia Keys Talks New Book". CBS News . 2004-11-11. Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  5. ↑ "StarTracks- Nov. 10, 2004". People . Time Inc. Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  6. ↑ Norsworty, Cameron (2016-08-29). "Alicia Keys' VMAs Poem Was Met With A Standing Ovation". Romper. Retrieved 2017-09-09.
  7. ↑ Reid, Shaheem (2004-08-12). "Usher Returns Favor by Appearing on Alicia's Revised Diary". MTV News . Viacom.
  8. 1 2 3 "Alicia Keys Wraps Up Busy Year with Awards, Hit CD, Tour and Poetry Book". Jet . Johnson Publishing Company. 2004-12-13. Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  9. ↑ "The Verizon Ladies First Tour Starring Beyonce, Alicia Keys, & Missy Elliott With Special Guest Tamia" (Press release). PR Newswire. 10 February 2004. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 2016-11-12.
  10. ↑ Vineyard, Jennifer (2004-03-01). "Alicia Keys Hoping to Turn Her Diary into Full-Fledged Book". MTV News . Viacom.
  11. 1 2 Cohen, Jonathan (2004-05-20). "Alicia Keys Signs Putnam Book Deal". Billboard . Prometheus Global Media . Retrieved 2016-12-04.
  12. ↑ Merritt, Sephanie (2004-03-21). "Soul Sister Number One". The Guardian . Retrieved 2016-12-04.
  13. ↑ "The Poetry of Alicia Keys". CBS News . 2004-11-11. Archived from the original on December 7, 2008. Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  14. 1 2 "For the Record: Quick News on Fabulous, Alicia Keys, Courtney Love, Nicky Hilton, Glassjaw, Cream & More". MTV News . Viacom. 2004-11-10. Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  15. 1 2 3 Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics. OCLC   56355849.
  16. ↑ Patterson, Troy (2004-11-05). "Tears for Water". Entertainment Weekly . Time Inc. Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  17. ↑ "Tears for Water, Songbook of Poems and Lyrics by Alicia Keys". Booktopia . Retrieved 2018-11-14.
  18. ↑ Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics. ASIN   0425205606.
  19. ↑ "Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics" (in Finnish). Booky. Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  20. ↑ Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics (in French). ASIN   0425205606.
  21. ↑ Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics (in German). ASIN   0425205606.
  22. ↑ "Tears for Water: Poetry & Lyrics" (in Italian). IBS.it. Retrieved 2018-11-15.
  23. ↑ Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics (in Japanese). ASIN   0425205606.
  24. ↑ Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics (in Spanish). ASIN   0425205606.
  25. ↑ "Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics – Alicia Keys". Bokus (in Swedish). Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  26. ↑ Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics. ASIN   0425205606.
  27. ↑ "Tears for Water: Songbook of Poems and Lyrics (Hardcover)". Tower Books. Retrieved 2016-09-03.
  28. ↑ "We're so excited Alicia Keys' re-release of Tears for Water, her poetry and lyrics book with a beautiful new cover, is out in stores! Get your copy today!". Penguin Group . Retrieved 2018-11-15.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.