“Wuthering Heights” is the debut single by British singer-songwriter Kate Bush, released in January 1978 as the lead single from her debut album, The Kick Inside. Written by Bush when she was only 18 years old, the song is directly inspired by Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel Wuthering Heights, capturing the haunting and tempestuous love story between the characters Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff.
The lyrics of “Wuthering Heights” are written from the perspective of Catherine’s ghost, calling out to Heathcliff from beyond the grave. Bush’s vivid storytelling and poetic imagery bring the classic literary tale to life in a wholly unique way.
Musically, the song is characterized by its ethereal quality, with a lush arrangement dominated by piano, guitar, and orchestral elements. Bush’s distinctive, high-pitched vocals convey both fragility and intensity, adding to the song’s dramatic and otherworldly feel. Her vocal performance is theatrical and unconventional, emphasizing the haunting and emotional narrative.
“Wuthering Heights” was an instant success, reaching No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, where it stayed for four weeks, making Kate Bush the first female artist to achieve a UK No. 1 with a self-written song. The track also topped charts in several other countries, including Ireland and Australia, establishing Bush as a groundbreaking artist from the outset of her career.
The music video, of which two versions were filmed (scroll down), features Bush performing interpretive dance in flowing costumes, emphasizing the song’s ethereal and dramatic tone. The red-dress version, in particular, has become iconic, with Bush’s expressive movements symbolizing the passionate and ghostly nature of her character.
Kate Bush – Wuthering Heights – Lyrics