# Caught a Lite Sneeze

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1996 single by Tori Amos

"Caught a Lite Sneeze" Single by Tori Amos from the album Boys for Pele B-side "This Old Man" "That's What I Like Mick (The Sandwich Song)" "Graveyard" "Toodles Mr. Jim" "Hungarian Wedding Song" "London Girls" "Samurai" Released January 1, 1996 (1996-01-01) Studio A church (Delgany, Ireland) A Georgian house (County Cork, Ireland) Length 4:27 Label Atlantic EastWest Songwriter Tori Amos Producer Tori Amos Tori Amos singles chronology "Past the Mission" (1994) "Caught a Lite Sneeze" (1996) "Talula" (1996)

"**Caught a Lite Sneeze**" is a song by American singer-songwriter and pianist [Tori Amos](/source/Tori_Amos), released as the first single from her third studio album, *[Boys for Pele](/source/Boys_for_Pele)* (1996), on January 1, 1996. The song is about wanting to do anything to keep a relationship going, knowing that it is over.[1] It references [Nine Inch Nails](/source/Nine_Inch_Nails)'s album *[Pretty Hate Machine](/source/Pretty_Hate_Machine)* in the lyrics "*Caught a lite sneeze / Dreamed a little dream / Made my own pretty hate machine.*" On December 11, 1995, [Atlantic Records](/source/Atlantic_Records) made the song available for streaming on their website, one of the earliest examples of a major label implementing such a feature.[2]

Following the song's release, it reached number 60 on the US [*Billboard* Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100), number three on the *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))* [Triple-A](/source/Adult_Alternative_Airplay) chart, and No. 20 on the [UK singles chart](/source/UK_singles_chart). Despite being one of Amos's higher-charting singles, it does not appear on her best-of collection, *[Tales of a Librarian](/source/Tales_of_a_Librarian)* (2003). In live performances from 1996 and 1998, Amos would frequently insert lines directly from and inspired by "[Hurt](/source/Hurt_(Nine_Inch_Nails_song))", another song by Nine Inch Nails.

## Critical reception

[Larry Flick](/source/Larry_Flick) from *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))* magazine felt the song "is easily her most viable bid for top 40 success to date." He added, "Literal, accessible lyrics waft over a rumbling rock-ish beat and a haunting blend of acoustic guitars and keyboard. Her often waif-like delivery is enhanced with throaty declarations and vamps that nicely punctuate the melody and flesh out the words. Nourishment for the intelligent pop music fan."[3] Steve Baltin from *[Cash Box](/source/Cashbox_(magazine))* said "Wow", declaring the song as "simply stunning." He wrote, "If not the best singer in music right now, Amos is near the top of a very short list. Time and time again the passionate redhead has proven herself to be a vocalist capable of bringing listeners into her pain."

Baltin explained, "'Caught a Lite Sneeze' begins with a very understated [industrial](/source/Industrial_music) feel and Amos showing great restraint in her vocals. By the end though, Amos has fans trembling with her cathartic rushes. A definite at [Modern Rock](/source/Modern_Rock) and a smash at [Triple A](/source/Adult_Alternative_Airplay). The *Cash Box* psychic predicts that by the end of this year [Tori Amos](/source/Tori_Amos) will have broken through to be a true superstar in every sense of the word."[4] Kevin Courtney from *[Irish Times](/source/Irish_Times)* noted that the song "has a contagious quality of its own."[5] [Andrew Mueller](/source/Andrew_Mueller) from *[Melody Maker](/source/Melody_Maker)* named it Single of the Week, adding, "The song itself is pleasant enough without being what you'd call memorable. The usual [Kate Bush](/source/Kate_Bush) references will do the trick, or you could resort to some [Alanis Morissette](/source/Alanis_Morissette) ones if you were feigning contemporaneity."[6]

## Track listings

US maxi-CD single[7] "Caught a Lite Sneeze" (unedited version) "This Old Man" "That's What I Like Mick (The Sandwich Song)" "Graveyard" "Toodles Mr. Jim" UK CD1 and Australian CD single[8] "Caught a Lite Sneeze" – 4:24 "This Old Man" – 1:44 "Hungarian Wedding Song" – 1:00 "Toodles Mr. Jim" – 3:09 UK CD2[9] "Caught a Lite Sneeze" – 4:24 "London Girls" – 3:20 "That's What I Like Mick (The Sandwich Song)" – 2:59 "Samurai" – 3:03 UK and Australian cassette single, European CD single[10][11] "Caught a Lite Sneeze" – 4:24 "Graveyard" – 0:54 "Toodles Mr. Jim" – 3:09

## Credits and personnel

Credits are lifted from the *[Boys for Pele](/source/Boys_for_Pele)* album booklet.[12]

**Recording and production**

- Recorded at a church ([Delgany](/source/Delgany), Ireland) and "a wonderfully damp Georgian house" ([County Cork](/source/County_Cork), Ireland)

- Additionally recorded at The Egyptian Room and Dinosaur Studios (New Orleans, Louisiana)

- Mixed at Jacobs Studios ([Surrey](/source/Surrey), England), [Mix This!](/source/Mix_This!), and [Record One](/source/Record_One) (Los Angeles)

- Mastered at Gateway Mastering ([Portland, Maine](/source/Portland%2C_Maine))

**Personnel**

- [Tori Amos](/source/Tori_Amos) – writing, vocals, [harpsichord](/source/Harpsichord), [Bösendorfer](/source/B%C3%B6sendorfer), production

- Alan Friedman – drum programming

- George Porter Jr. – bass

- Steve Caton – swells

- Mark Hawley – recording

- Marcel van Limbeek – recording

- Rob van Tuin – recording assistance

- [Bob Clearmountain](/source/Bob_Clearmountain) – mixing

- [Ryan Freeland](/source/Ryan_Freeland) – mixing assistance

- [Bob Ludwig](/source/Bob_Ludwig) – mastering

## Charts

Weekly charts Chart (1996) Peak position Australia (ARIA)[13][14] 51 Canada Top Singles (RPM)[15] 20 Canada Adult Contemporary (RPM)[16] 27 Canada Rock/Alternative (RPM)[17] 18 Europe (Eurochart Hot 100)[18] 73 Finland (Suomen virallinen lista)[19] 33 Ireland (IRMA)[20] 21 Scotland Singles (OCC)[21] 19 UK Singles (OCC)[22] 20 US Billboard Hot 100[23] 60 US Adult Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[24] 3 US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[25] 13 US Dance Singles Sales (Billboard)[26] 9 Year-end charts Chart (1996) Position US Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard)[27] 70 US Triple-A (Billboard)[27] 27

## Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref. United Kingdom January 1, 1996 CD cassette EastWest [28] United States January 2, 1996 Modern rock college triple A radio Atlantic [2]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [Quotes from interviews with Tori Amos](http://www.yessaid.com/talk/7caughtalitesneeze.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080121205629/http://www.yessaid.com/talk/7caughtalitesneeze.html) January 21, 2008, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-pride_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-pride_2-1) Pride, Dominic; [Taylor, Chuck](/source/Chuck_Taylor_(music_journalist)) (January 13, 1996). "Amos Bares Soul on Atlantic Set". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Vol. 108, no. 2. p. 66.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [Flick, Larry](/source/Larry_Flick) (January 13, 1996). ["Reviews & Previews: Singles"](https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Billboard/90s/1996/BB-1996-01-13.pdf) (PDF). *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. p. 62. Retrieved November 21, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Baltin, Steve (January 20, 1996). ["Pop Singles"](https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Cash-Box/90s/1996/CB-1996-01-20.pdf) (PDF). *[Cash Box](/source/Cashbox_(magazine))*. p. 7. Retrieved November 11, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Courtney, Kevin (January 26, 1996). "Rock". *[Irish Times](/source/Irish_Times)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [Mueller, Andrew](/source/Andrew_Mueller) (January 13, 1996). ["Singles"](https://www.flickr.com/photos/nothingelseon/53623547861/). *[Melody Maker](/source/Melody_Maker)*. p. 28. Retrieved May 9, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** *Caught a Lite Sneeze* (US maxi-CD single liner notes). [Atlantic Records](/source/Atlantic_Records). 1996. 85519-2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** *Caught a Lite Sneeze* (UK CD1 & Australian CD single liner notes). [EastWest Records](/source/East_West_Records). 1996. A5524CD1, 7567-85526-2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** *Caught a Lite Sneeze* (UK CD2 liner notes). EastWest Records. 1996. A5524CD2, 7567-85525-2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** *Caught a Lite Sneeze* (UK & Australian cassette single sleeve). EastWest Records. 1996. A5524C, 7567-85524-4.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** *Caught a Lite Sneeze* (European CD single liner notes). EastWest Records. 1996. 7567-85524-2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [*Boys for Pele*](/source/Boys_for_Pele) (US CD album booklet). Atlantic Records. 1996. 82862-2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["The ARIA Australian Top 100 Singles Chart – Week Ending 31 Mar 1996"](https://i.imgur.com/WpkGjXy.jpg). [ARIA](/source/Australian_Recording_Industry_Association). Retrieved March 12, 2016 – via [Imgur](/source/Imgur). N.B. The HP column displays the highest peak reached.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Ryan, Gavin (2011). *Australia's Music Charts 1988–2010* (pdf ed.). Mt. Martha, VIC, Australia: Moonlight Publishing. p. 14.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Canadatopsingles_15-0)** "[Top RPM Singles: Image 2926](https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.2926&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.2926.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.2926)". *[RPM](/source/RPM_(magazine))*. [Library and Archives Canada](/source/Library_and_Archives_Canada). Retrieved March 19, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Canadaadultcontemporary_16-0)** "[Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Image 2900](https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.2900&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.2900.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.2900)". *[RPM](/source/RPM_(magazine))*. [Library and Archives Canada](/source/Library_and_Archives_Canada). Retrieved May 20, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Canadarock_17-0)** "[Top RPM Rock/Alternative Tracks: Image 9200](https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/films-videos-sound-recordings/rpm/Pages/image.aspx?Image=nlc008388.9200&URLjpg=http%3a%2f%2fwww.collectionscanada.gc.ca%2fobj%2f028020%2ff4%2fnlc008388.9200.gif&Ecopy=nlc008388.9200)". *[RPM](/source/RPM_(magazine))*. [Library and Archives Canada](/source/Library_and_Archives_Canada). Retrieved March 19, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Eurochart Hot 100 Singles"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-and-Media/90s/1996/MM-1996-01-20.pdf) (PDF). *[Music & Media](/source/Music_%26_Media)*. Vol. 13, no. 3. January 20, 1996. p. 13. Retrieved August 28, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Sisältää hitin"](https://musiikkiarkisto.fi/oa/_tiedostot/julkaisut/sisaltaa-hitin.pdf) (PDF).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Ireland2_20-0)** "[The Irish Charts – Search Results – Caught a Lite Sneeze](http://irishcharts.ie/search/placement?page=1&search_type=title&placement=Caught%20a%20Lite%20Sneeze)". [Irish Singles Chart](/source/Irish_Singles_Chart). Retrieved March 19, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Scotland_21-0)** "[Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart on 13/1/1996 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/scottish-singles-chart/19960113/41/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved March 19, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_UK_22-0)** "[Official Singles Chart on 13/1/1996 – Top 100](https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/19960113/7501/)". [Official Charts Company](/source/Official_Charts_Company). Retrieved March 19, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Billboardhot100_Tori_Amos_23-0)** "[Tori Amos Chart History (Hot 100)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Tori-Amos/chart-history/HSI)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved March 19, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Billboardadultalternativesongs_Tori_Amos_24-0)** "[Tori Amos Chart History (Adult Alternative Airplay)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Tori-Amos/chart-history/AAA)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved March 19, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Billboardalternativesongs_Tori_Amos_25-0)** "[Tori Amos Chart History (Alternative Airplay)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Tori-Amos/chart-history/MRT)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved March 19, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-sc_Billboarddancesales_Tori_Amos_26-0)** "[Tori Amos Chart History (Dance Singles Sales)](https://www.billboard.com/artist/Tori-Amos/chart-history/DSA)". *[Billboard](/source/Billboard_(magazine))*. Retrieved June 30, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-usrockye_27-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-usrockye_27-1) "Airplay Monitor Best of '96". *[Airplay Monitor](/source/Airplay_Monitor)*. Vol. 4, no. 53. December 27, 1996. p. 24.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["New Releases: Singles"](https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/1995/Music-Week-1995-12-23.pdf) (PDF). *[Music Week](/source/Music_Week)*. December 23, 1995. p. 32. Retrieved June 30, 2021.

v t e Tori Amos Discography List of songs Studio albums Little Earthquakes Under the Pink Boys for Pele From the Choirgirl Hotel To Venus and Back Strange Little Girls Scarlet's Walk The Beekeeper American Doll Posse Abnormally Attracted to Sin Midwinter Graces Night of Hunters Gold Dust Unrepentant Geraldines Native Invader Ocean to Ocean The Music of Tori and the Muses In Times of Dragons Compilations Tales of a Librarian A Piano: The Collection Little Earthquakes – The B-Sides Live albums To Venus and Back The Original Bootlegs Legs and Boots Live at Montreux 1991/1992 From Russia with Love Diving Deep Live EPs Crucify Hey Jupiter Scarlet's Hidden Treasures Exclusive Session Flavor (Peter Rauhofer Mixes) Christmastide Singles "Baltimore" "Me and a Gun" "Silent All These Years" "China" "Winter" "Crucify" "Cornflake Girl" "God" "Pretty Good Year" "Past the Mission" "Caught a Lite Sneeze" "Talula" "Professional Widow" "Hey Jupiter" "In the Springtime of His Voodoo" "Spark" "Jackie's Strength" "Cruel"/"Raspberry Swirl" "Bliss" "1000 Oceans" "Glory of the 80's" "Concertina" "Strange Little Girl" "A Sorta Fairytale" "Taxi Ride" "Don't Make Me Come to Vegas" "Mary" "Sleeps with Butterflies" "Sweet the Sting" "Big Wheel" "Bouncing Off Clouds" "Welcome to England" "Maybe California" "A Silent Night with You" "Carry" "Flavor" "Trouble's Lament" "Cloud Riders" "Speaking with Trees" Other songs "Putting the Damage On" "Dātura" Videos Little Earthquakes Live from New York Complete Videos: 1991–1998 A Sorta Fairytale Welcome to Sunny Florida Fade to Red Live at Montreux 1991/1992 Tours 5 ½ Weeks Tour Night of Hunters Tour Gold Dust Orchestral Tour Unrepentant Geraldines Tour Native Invader Tour Related articles Piece by Piece Comic Book Tattoo Delirium Y Kant Tori Read Y Kant Tori Read "The Big Picture" "Cool on Your Island" "Blue Skies" RAINN The Light Princess Original Cast Recording

Authority control databases MusicBrainz work MusicBrainz release group

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Caught a Lite Sneeze](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caught_a_Lite_Sneeze) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caught_a_Lite_Sneeze?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.