The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead
Crash Test Dummies Lyrics
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Spreading wisdom and cash around
Fed the starving and housed the poor
Showed the Vatican what gold's for
But he made too many enemies
Of the people who would keep us on our knees
Hooray for Peter Pumpkin
Who'll pray for Peter Pumpkinhead?
Peter Pumpkinhead pulled them all
Emptied churches and shopping malls
Where he spoke, it would raise the roof
Peter Pumpkinhead told the truth
But he made too many enemies...
Peter Pumpkinhead put to shame
Governments who would slur his name
Plots and sex scandals failed outright
Peter merely said
Any kind of love is alright
But he made too many enemies...
Peter Pumpkinhead was too good
Had him nailed to a chunk of wood
He died grinning on live TV
Hanging there he looked a lot like you
And an awful lot like me!
But he made too many enemies...
Hooray for Peter Pumpkin
Who'll pray for Peter Pumpkin
Hooray for Peter Pumpkinhead
Oh my oh my oh!
Doesn't it make you want to cry oh?
The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead is a politically charged song by the Crash Test Dummies that tells the story of a man named Peter Pumpkinhead who comes to town spreading wisdom and money to the people. He gives to the poor and takes from the rich, standing up for the truth and challenging the status quo. However, his actions make him many enemies, including those in government and the church who want to keep people oppressed and submissive. Despite his good intentions, Peter is eventually crucified and dies on live television, representing the sacrifice of those who challenge power and authority.
The song can be interpreted as a criticism of corruption and hypocrisy in institutions of power, particularly in politics and religion. Peter Pumpkinhead is a symbol for those who dare to speak out against injustice and fight for the underprivileged, even if it means going against the establishment. The lyrics also suggest that the truth can be a dangerous thing and that those who challenge authority can expect to face opposition and persecution.
Line by Line Meaning
Peter Pumpkinhead came to town
Peter Pumpkinhead arrived in town
Spreading wisdom and cash around
He shared knowledge and wealth with the people
Fed the starving and housed the poor
He provided food for the hungry and shelter for the homeless
Showed the Vatican what gold's for
He demonstrated the true use of riches to the leaders of the Catholic Church
But he made too many enemies
Unfortunately, his actions angered too many people who wanted to maintain their power over others
Hooray for Peter Pumpkin
Celebrating the accomplishments of Peter Pumpkinhead
Who'll pray for Peter Pumpkinhead?
Asking who will remember and honor Peter Pumpkinhead after his death
Oh my!
An exclamation of surprise or shock
Peter Pumpkinhead pulled them all
Peter Pumpkinhead attracted many followers
Emptied churches and shopping malls
He cleared out places of worship and consumerism
Where he spoke, it would raise the roof
People got excited when he gave speeches
Peter Pumpkinhead told the truth
He spoke the truth about important issues
Peter Pumpkinhead put to shame
Peter Pumpkinhead embarrassed
Governments who would slur his name
The governments who tried to discredit him
Plots and sex scandals failed outright
Attempts to frame him for scandalous behavior failed completely
Peter merely said any kind of love is alright
Peter Pumpkinhead expressed acceptance and tolerance for all forms of love
Peter Pumpkinhead was too good
Peter Pumpkinhead was too virtuous
Had him nailed to a chunk of wood
They crucified him
He died grinning on live TV
He died happily in front of live television cameras
Hanging there he looked a lot like you
He looked like the common person hanging on the cross
And an awful lot like me!
He looked like the person telling the story
But he made too many enemies...
Despite his good intentions and actions, he angered too many powerful people
Hooray for Peter Pumpkin
Celebrating the life of Peter Pumpkinhead
Who'll pray for Peter Pumpkin?
Asking who will remember and pray for Peter's soul
Hooray for Peter Pumpkinhead
Celebrating the legacy of Peter Pumpkinhead
Oh my oh my oh!
An exclamation of sadness or disappointment
Doesn't it make you want to cry, oh?
Asking if the story of Peter Pumpkinhead makes the listener emotional
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ANDY PARTRIDGE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nessadvantage9447
@Awake At The Wheel you're welcome.
The creators of the song originally said they weren't referencing JFK specifically but rather various events.
you can tell with some of the lyrics they are indeed referencing JFK.
"But, he made too many enemies.
Of the people who would keep us on our knees"
"Fed the starving, housed the poor.
Showed the Vatican what golds for"
"Peter pumpkinhead was too good.
Had him nailed to a chunk of wood.
He died grinning on live tv.
Hanging there he looked a lot like you and, an awful lot like me"
I believe that last verse I quoted was not only referencing JFK but possibly Jesus Christ as well.
@martinrodriguez8164
My Goooooooooood! I've been looking for this song for over 30 years. Last time I listened to this song was when I was around 14 and now I am 41. My God thank you so much for this treasure found. It is not joke when I tell you that I am crying due to the memories this song brigns to me. Jesus, GOD BLESS GOOD MUSIC AND PEOPLE WITH A GOOD TASTE IN MUSIC.
@BonFathead
❤️❤️
@buddy9718
Listen to the original by XTC
@lazarosaliba5671
@Buddy yep...great song
@biffnastya
❤new favorite
@worldissuesmatter1643
I’m in agreement but I have to laugh at the idea of God bless good music in reference to this song. Unless you are going deeper and realizing that Jesus is not God.
@static2099
Reminds me that Ellen Reid never got enough recognition for her amazing vocals.
@danpichon5811
Absolutely correct
@robrunstedler6953
Plus she is very attractive!
@billny33
She sounds like she was like a less popular version of Alanis Morisette. That's not a slight on Ellen either.