As much as Mark Ronson & Salam Reemi have helped her compose most of her songs on Back to Black, it was frequently mentioned in interviews and magazines that Amy was always the first that came up with the ideas. Even if she played no instrument on the record, she solely wrote the lyrics, which I believe amazingly illustred her passion of doo-wop & 50's pop music, jazz and also contemporary melody-driven ballads.

I still find it hard to find an exact meaning of her lyrics. Especially on songs like "Some Unholy War" or "Back to Black". The significance of each song is just as different as the whole atmosphere on the album... She could refer to drugs or weed, but at the same time, she'd give a shotout to her boyfriend through the same line. She'd play several characters that were rarely present in the works of other female singers... I just find it amazing how she had a very eclectic vision on love and relationships.

She was the genuine article, and wrote those songs from the heart.

I always took Back To Black as referencing heroin, but it could very well mean anything else. Could mean getting out of debt, going back to a black boyfriend (or girlfriend), or maybe even a real person with the name Black.

Empress said:

Amy was a true artist with real talent. She may not have had the best voice or the prettiest girl in the crowd, but damn she knew how to write and deliver a song. I really miss her and listen to her music often.

She had an unfounded degree of authenticity...otherworldly. It was like a whole seperate reality existed in her or in her windpipe or mind....

[Edited 5/30/15 2:13am]

Se7en said:

NorthC said:

Se7en said:

I always took Back To Black as referencing heroin, but it could very well mean anything else. Could mean getting out of debt, going back to a black boyfriend (or girlfriend), or maybe even a real person with the name Black.

A line like "he kept his dick wet" really needs no explaining. I always figured "black" mean t sadness, darkness, unhappiness.

Excatly...i´m going back to feeling sad.

She was up there with Prince no doubt. Too bad stardom kills.