Some songs get in your head.
This one moves in, redecorates, and makes itself at home for a few days.
I don’t mind. In fact, I kind of love it.
“Human Being” by KT Tunstall is one of those tracks I spin at least two, sometimes three times a month. Usually when I need to shake off something — a foggy mood, a toxic thought, a sense of being too coiled up in other people’s noise. The beat kicks in, her voice catches the air, and I remember I’m still breathing. Still here. Still a damn human being.
I’ve had a full-on music crush on KT since Black Horse and a Cherry Tree first hit the radio back in 2004. That album rewired me. There was something raw and spirited in her — Scottish grit wrapped in rhythm and wit. I grabbed every release after that like it was a message sent just to me.
Got to see her live for the first time recently — solo show, Lincoln Theatre, Mount Vernon. She walked onstage alone and made more noise than most full bands could ever hope to. Guitar, loop pedal, voice like flame. The room was electric, like we all knew this was one of those moments we’d still be talking about ten years from now.
As for this track — Human Being — I love the energy, but I also love the video. There’s this martial arts sequence in it that’s not just for flair. It says something. She’s not just kicking and spinning — she’s owning space. I used to train with nunchucks myself back in the day, and I was pretty good… but I think the young girl in KT’s video could absolutely kick my ass.
At the end of the day, that’s what this song is for me: fierce grace.
A reminder that being human isn’t just surviving — it’s fighting to stay open. Fighting to stay real.
And when this one’s playing, I don’t forget that.
—
🎶 Track Info
🎵 Song: Human Being
🎙️ Artist: KT Tunstall
💿 Album: KIN
📅 Release Year: 2016 (Virgin EMI)
✍️ Songwriters: KT Tunstall, Martin Terefe
⏱️ Track Length: 3:59
📺 Notable: Music video features KT performing martial arts choreography in a desert setting, embodying the spirit of emotional resilience and physical grace.
🎧 Play Human Being here:
Hit play. You’ll remember who you are.
🏷️ Tags
kt tunstall, human being, 2010s, kin, alternative pop, indie rock, scottish artists, music crush, martial arts, personal anthem, signal strength: resilient