Bliss (Tori Amos song)

"Bliss" is a song by American singer-songwriter Tori Amos. It is the lead track from Amos' fifth studio album, To Venus and Back. "Bliss" went to alternative stations on August 6, 1999, and was released commercially in the U.S. on August 24, 1999. The song was not released as a single in the UK, but peaked at # 91 in the US.

Atlantic released "Bliss" in CD, cassette, 7" vinyl and a CD5 maxi single. The CD single contains the non-LP live version of "Hey Jupiter", while the CD5 maxi also includes the non-LP version of "Upside Down". Both of the live tracks do not appear on the album To Venus and Back. The regular CD single cardboard packaging does not include the extra photo with the "Bliss" lyrics that was part of the CD maxi single. The "Bliss" video premiered on MTV 120 Minutes on August 15, 1999. The video uses footage that was filmed during the final two shows of the Plugged '98 tour in Michigan.

Meaning and interpretation
Sometimes, when you express thought to people, you leave it open for somebody to tromp in there and start tearing it down. I sing, Father I killed my monkey, to lead off the song, which explains that sometimes you even destroy your own so they can't excavate it. When I was growing up, I started becoming very secretive about my thoughts and the sensory world I would go to, because there's a lot of mind control that goes on constantly, people wanting access: 'What are you thinking?' So sometimes I'd have my own defense going, which would be to look them straight in the eye and make them think I've killed my imagination. But it's like, I'll take control.

US CD single

 * 1) "Bliss" – 3:40
 * 2) "Hey Jupiter" (Live) – 4:31

US CD maxi single

 * 1) "Bliss" – 3:40
 * 2) "Hey Jupiter" (Live) – 4:31
 * 3) "Upside Down" (Live '99) – 5:46

US 7" single (Atlantic 7-84532)

 * 1) "Bliss" – 3:39
 * 2) "Hey Jupiter" (Live non LP track) – 4:33