The band's website once noted Cracker as "The only band to ever open for both Grateful Dead and Ramones," a unique distinction which is also indicative of the band's sound and style. Cracker comfortably mixes influences and sounds ranging from classic country music, psychedelia, punk and folk into their brand of "Americana" style rock.
Lowery and Hickman are inalterable constants. The band continues to tour (as a full band, and also as the "Cracker acoustic duo").
Take Me Down To The Infirmary
Cracker Lyrics
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To the infirmary
Lay me down
On cotton sheets
Put a damp cloth
On my forehead
Lay me down
And let me sleep
I know the whiskey,it won't soothe my soul
And the morphine won't heal my heart
But if you take me down to the infirmary, oh yeah
I won't have to sleep or drink alone.
So, take me down
To the infirmary
Walk a sound that is as blue as her eyes
Oh, sister Magdelene won't you fetch the
Doctor's flask.
He is going to need a steady
A steady hand
I know the whiskey it won't soothe my soul
And the morphine won't heal my heart
But if you take me down to the infirmary, oh yeah
I won't have to sleep or drink alone.
So, take me down
To the infirmary
Lay me down on cotton sheets
Put a damp cloth on my forehead
Lay me down, let me sleep
Lay me down, let me sleep
The song "Take Me Down to the Infirmary" by Cracker seems to be about a person who is feeling sick, both physically and emotionally, and is seeking comfort in a place where they can receive medical care. The lyrics, "I know the whiskey, it won't soothe my soul, and the morphine won't heal my heart" suggest that the person is looking for something more than just a numbing agent for their emotional pain. The word "infirmary" itself, which is an archaic term for a hospital ward, adds to this feeling of being in a place of healing.
The use of cotton sheets and a damp cloth on the forehead further emphasizes the idea of being cared for, suggesting a gentler approach to treatment rather than harsher medical procedures. The line "Walk a sound that is as blue as her eyes" seems to reference someone who is accompanying the sick person, perhaps a loved one or caregiver. The request for someone to fetch the doctor's flask also implies a close-knit community or family that is coming together to help one of their own.
Line by Line Meaning
So, take me down
I am requesting to be taken down to the infirmary.
To the infirmary
To the medical facility where I can receive treatment.
Lay me down
Place me gently on the bed.
On cotton sheets
On soft, comfortable, and breathable sheets made of cotton fibers.
Put a damp cloth
Place a cloth that is moistened with water on my forehead.
On my forehead
Over my forehead, which may be hot or sweaty.
Lay me down
Again, place me on the bed gently.
And let me sleep
Allow me to rest and hopefully recover.
I know the whiskey,it won't soothe my soul
I am aware that consuming whiskey will not make me feel better emotionally.
And the morphine won't heal my heart
I understand that morphine will not cure my emotional pain.
But if you take me down to the infirmary, oh yeah
If you bring me to the medical facility, where I can receive treatment, then...
I won't have to sleep or drink alone.
I won't have to feel lonely while sleeping or drinking alone.
Walk a sound that is as blue as her eyes
I am asking Sister Magdelene to walk quietly and calmly.
Oh, sister Magdelene won't you fetch the Doctor's flask.
Sister Magdelene, please bring the flask belonging to the doctor.
He is going to need a steady
The doctor will require assistance.
A steady hand
Someone who can assist the doctor by providing a steady hand.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: David Lowry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind