Cannibal's Hymn
Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Lyrics
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Lie back and let me unlock you
Those heathens you hang with down by the sea
All they want to do is defrock you
I know a river, where we can dream
It will swell up, burst it's banks
Babe, and rock you
But if you're gonna dine with them cannibals
Sooner or later, darling, you're gonna get eaten
But I'm glad you've come around
Here with your animals
And your heart that is bruised but unbeaten
And beating like a drum
I will sit like a bird on a fence
Sing you songs with a happy ending
Swoop down and tell you that it don't make much sense
To attack the very thing you're defending
Didn't I just buy that dress for you?
That pink paper pinafore that you keep mending
Well, if you're gonna dine with the cannibals
Well sooner or later, darling, you're gonna get eaten
But I'm glad you've come around
Here with your animals
And your heart that is banging and beating
And banging like a gong
I can see that they've hurt you, dear
Here is some moonlight to cloak us
And I will never desert you here
Unpetaled among the crocus
Allow me, my love, to allay your fear
As I swim, in and out of focus
But if you're gonna dine with the cannibals
Well sooner or later, darling, you're gonna get eaten
But I'm glad you've come around
Here with your animals
And your heart that is bruised but bleating
And bleeding like a lamb
Banging like a gong
And beating like a drum
The lyrics of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds's song Cannibal's Hymn tell the story of a person trying to convince their loved one to leave a group of heathens that wishes to defrock and consume them. The singer offers an alternative, suggesting they flee to a river where they can dream and be safe. Despite the warning that dining with the cannibals will eventually lead to being eaten, the singer is glad their lover has come around, heart bruised but beating like a drum. The singer promises to protect them and offers some moonlight to cloak them.
The lyrics are dark and haunting, with a strong sense of impending doom that gradually increases throughout the song. The image of cannibals eating their lover serves as a metaphor for harmful people and relationships that one should avoid. The river the singer suggests could mean a way of escape, a safe place, or a symbol of change and transition. The heart is bruised but unbeaten, indicating the resilience and strength of the human spirit.
Line by Line Meaning
You have a heart and I have a key
I know the way to your heart and can give you the love you need
Lie back and let me unlock you
Let yourself be vulnerable and let me show you my love
Those heathens you hang with down by the sea
Your friends are wild and immoral
All they want to do is defrock you
They want to lead you astray from what is right and proper
I know a river, where we can dream
I have a special place where we can escape and be together
It will swell up, burst it's banks
Our passion and love will overflow beyond what we can handle
Babe, and rock you
I will care for you and provide comfort
But if you're gonna dine with them cannibals
If you continue to associate with those who are immoral and dangerous
Sooner or later, darling, you're gonna get eaten
You will eventually face the consequences of your actions
But I'm glad you've come around
I'm happy you're finally seeing the truth and coming to me
Here with your animals
Living with your instincts and desires
And your heart that is bruised but unbeaten
Despite the pain you've faced, your heart still carries on
And beating like a drum
Your heart is strong and resilient
I will sit like a bird on a fence
I will watch and wait for the right moment
Sing you songs with a happy ending
I will bring you joy and happiness
Swoop down and tell you that it don't make much sense
I will intervene and help you see reason
To attack the very thing you're defending
You should not harm what you love and cherish
Didn't I just buy that dress for you?
I have been caring for you and supporting you
That pink paper pinafore that you keep mending
The dress you treasure and keep in good condition
Well, if you're gonna dine with the cannibals
If you continue down this path of immorality
Well sooner or later, darling, you're gonna get eaten
You will face the consequences of your actions
But I'm glad you've come around
I'm happy you're finally seeing the truth and coming to me
Here with your animals
Living with your instincts and desires
And your heart that is banging and beating
Your heart is full of energy and passion
And banging like a gong
Your emotions are loud and strong
I can see that they've hurt you, dear
I know you've been hurt by others
Here is some moonlight to cloak us
I will provide comfort and care in the darkness of your pain
And I will never desert you here
I will always be here for you, no matter what
Unpetaled among the crocus
Lost and vulnerable among beauty and fragility
Allow me, my love, to allay your fear
Let me help you overcome your fears and doubts
As I swim, in and out of focus
As I navigate the ups and downs of life
But if you're gonna dine with the cannibals
If you continue down this path of immorality
Well sooner or later, darling, you're gonna get eaten
You will face the consequences of your actions
But I'm glad you've come around
I'm happy you're finally seeing the truth and coming to me
Here with your animals
Living with your instincts and desires
And your heart that is bruised but bleating
Despite the pain, your heart is still full of love and hope
And bleeding like a lamb
Your heart is tender and vulnerable
Banging like a gong
Your emotions and passions are loud and strong
And beating like a drum
Your heart is strong and resilient
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Jim Sclavunos, Martyn Casey, Nick Cave, Warren Ellis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind