"Kiss of Life" is a song by Kylie Minogue and English singer-songwriter Jessie Ware. The song appears on Disco: Guest List Edition, which is the reissue of Kylie's fifteenth studio album Disco (2020). It was released as the album's second single on 29 October 2021.
Background and release[]
In September 2020, a week before the release of Kylie's fifteenth studio album Disco, Kylie appeared on Jessie's Table Manners with Jessie and Lennie Ware podcast; here, the pair first spoke about writing together, amidst discussions of both of their respective recent albums. Over the course of the following year, many interviews with the pair individually revealed that the two had officially discussed collaborating, with Jessie stating she'd "bullied" Kylie into a duet. With the announcement of Jessie's Platinum Edition of her album What's Your Pleasure?, it was speculated that the collaboration would be released as part of the album, however, it was revealed on 5 October 2021 that "Kiss of Life" would appear on the re-issue of Disco.
On 19 October, Jessie posted a photo captioned "Only one lady can get me out of bed at 1.30am for a night shoot", fuelling rumours that the video shoot was happening that night. On 28 October, Kylie and Jessie both posted on their socials to confirm that the song would be released at local time that midnight. On 3 November, it was announced that the music video, directed by Sophie Muller, would be released the following day.
Composition[]
"Kiss of Life" was written by Kylie, Jessie, Danny Parker, Shungudzo and its producer James Ford. The production follows suit from What's Your Pleasure?, leaning towards a more authentic 70s disco sound, using horns, a guitar riff and a funky bass line. Running for three minutes and thirteen seconds, "Kiss of Life" is written in the key of G major and runs at a tempo of 124 beats per minute.
Lyrically, "Kiss of Life" deals with an infatuation with a significant other, and Kylie and Jessie wanting this to be reciprocated.
Music video[]
The music video for "Kiss of Life" was directed by Sophie Muller and was released on 4 November 2021. The video sees Kylie and Jessie in a diner, dressed extravagantly, surrounded by a troupe of equally flamboyantly dressed dancers, one of whom is Jessie's mother Lennie. Kylie appears as an antagonist of sorts, entering the restaurant that Jessie owns and wreaking havoc among the guests.
Live performances[]
"Kiss of Life" was first performed live on The Jonathan Ross Show in November 2021; Kylie appeared on the show as a guest and was later joined by Jessie for the performance. Kylie joined Jessie on the latter's What's Your Pleasure? Tour on 28 May 2022, her fifty-fourth birthday, to perform the song.
On 17 September 2023, Kylie performed "Kiss of Life" at Radio 2 in the Park where she was joined by Jessie Ware.
Charts[]
| Chart (2021) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Airplay (Radiomonitor) | 15 |
| UK Download (OCC) | 30 |
| US Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (Billboard) | 49 |
Lyrics[]
Kisses (Ah, ah)
Kisses
Come on, baby
Won't you prove your love for me
Feels so good, I'm falling free
I've been patient, I've been perfect
From the sideline, make it worth it
If you prove your love for me
If you only knew
Every time to get a little taste of it, I die
You can only see
And then the moment is so sweet that I could cry
Give me the kiss of life
Kiss of life, all night dancing
Free your mind, pay attention
Keep your eyes on my lips
Sweet sugar highs
Give me the kiss of life
Come on, baby
You know what to do (Oh, yeah, oh)
Give me the kiss of life
Has anybody ever told you (Yeah)
Your kiss is delicious?
Give me the kiss of life
Cherry syrup on my tongue (Ah)
How about a little fun? (Ah)
I make it higher, baby
I make it wilder, baby
I make it hot, hot, hot
Hot, hot, hot, hot
I've been patient, I've been perfect
From the sideway, make it worth it
If you prove your love for me
If you only knew
Every time I get a little taste of it, I just want a little more
You can only see
Don't know how you do it but you're made for it
My heart's like...
Give me the kiss of life
Kisses, oh
Kisses, all night
Give me the kiss of life (Kisses)
Come on, baby
Kisses, all night
Give me the kiss of life
Kiss of life, all night dancing
Free your mind, pay attention
Keep your eyes on my lips (My lips)
Sweet sugar highs
Give me the kiss of life
Kiss of life, all night dancing
Free your mind, pay attention (Pay attention)
Keep your eyes on my lips (My lips)
Sweet sugar highs (Ooh)
Give me the kiss of life
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