Katrina Leskanich — the lead singer for pop band Katrina and the Waves — gave the United Kingdom its fifth and most recent Eurovision victory with the tune “Love Shine A Light”. Since then, she has participated in Melodifestivalen and returned to Eurovision to deliver the UK’s points last year. And now she has a festive new single.
A staple on the festival scene and the LGBT Pride circuit, Katrina has wowed fans all over the globe. As a thank you to her loyal fans, she is releasing a festive cover of Judy Garland’s hit song, “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love”.
Speaking exclusively to wiwibloggs, Katrina explains:
“I’ve always loved Judy Garland — she is one of my favourite singers. Before every show I warm up with “It’s Almost Like Being in Love” from her Live at Carnegie Hall album where I also discovered her version of “I Can’t Give You Anything but Love” — the classic 1920s tune, which I’ve always thought would make a great feel-good and festive Christmas track.
“My version of the song has the free-form introduction ahead of a toe-tapping, melodic and tuneful song from the 1920s with a very jazzy guitar solo and an unexpected sweet message for Christmas.”
Katrina makes this track her own by baring her soul on the song. Stripping back from her classic rock undertones, the vulnerability in her voice hooks the listener. The simplicity of her delivery is evident in her clarity. This is a love song with a festive feeling.
And those festivities continue on the road. Katrina has a show in Deal at the Astor Theatre tonight, Friday 30th Nov. On December 22nd, she will be performing at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry with a hot ’80s lineup including Bananarama, ABC and Bonnie Tyler.
“I Can’t Give You Anything But Love” lyrics – Katrina Leskanich
Now that it is Christmas, I don’t know what to do
Can’t give you a Thunderbird, or a penthouse with a view
Can’t even buy a little present
I’m much too broke, I find
But there is one way I may save the day
And I sure hope you don’t mind, that
I can’t give you anything but love, baby
That’s the only thing I’ve plenty of, baby
Dream a while, scheme a while
You’re sure to find happiness
And I guess all those things you’ve always pined for
Gee, I’d like to see you looking swell, baby
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn’t sell, baby
‘Til that lucky day, you know darn well, baby
I can’t give you anything but love
Gee, I’d like to see you looking swell, baby
Diamond bracelets Woolworth doesn’t sell, baby
‘Til that lucky day, you know darn well, baby
I can’t give you anything, I can’t give you anything
I can’t give you anything but love
I saw Katrina live at Minehead in Autumn 2017, excellent live performer with a lot of energy and seems like a lovely down to earth lady! also missed a chance to meet her after I heard day after she came out and chatted with people straight after finishing her set, dang!