Henry has enjoyed a successful and eclectic career in music that ranges from the chart topping to the esoteric, and combines a varied palette of skills from string orchestration to beat programming, sampling and sound design, production and mixing. After 8 years of collaboration with other artists and their music, Henry is now focusing on his own material and scoring music for movies.
Utopia, published by West One Music, is a combination of Latvian choirs, innovative Electronica and cutting edge production. Transfiguration, published by KPM Music, was written, programmed, arranged, engineered, mixed and produced by Henry and completed in 2005. Transfiguration combines classical textures and melodies with 21st century production techniques and Henry’s own lyrics. Acoustica, also published by KPM Music, has just been completed in collaboration with the award-winning guitarist and songwriter, Augustus Isadore.
Prior to working on Utopia, Transfiguration and Acoustica, Henry’s work within the music industry has been varied and high profile. His programming credits include Mike Oldfield, Marc Almond, Coolio, and Kirsty McColl. He collaborated with Andy Gardner (of Plump DJ’s fame) to produce a series of Dance Remixes that topped the dance charts and were selected for Pete Tong’s Essential Selection (Radio 1), for artists like Kele le Roc and Boyzone. At the same time he worked with Michael Gordon, a New York-based minimalist string composer, on his composition - Weather- for Coalition Records.
Not long afterwards, Henry was working with the legendary Trevor Horn, programming and executing string arrangements for the title track of 20th Cent Fox’s film Anastasia, featuring Richard Marx and Donna Lewis on the song In the Beginning. He also co-produced Born On A Sunday with Trevor Horn on the Art of Noise album The Seduction of Claude Debussy. Meanwhile, he quietly produced some unashamed pop with the likes of Gary Barlow from Take That (which reached no.3 in the UK charts) and Justin.
Collaboration with internationally acclaimed Seal was shortly to follow as they worked together to write and produce This Could Be Heaven for the motion picture The Family Man, which starred Nicholas Cage. As well as production work, Henry continues to write his own music - which is used on CNN News, the BBC, The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Discovery Channel.
Henry is currently making great strides into the film world. As of January 2006, he has completed 4 movies with the world-renowned composer - Hans Zimmer – contributing as an additional composer and performer:
The Da Vinci Code [dir: Ron Howard],
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest [dir: Gore Verbinski]
The Holiday [dir: Nancy Meyers].
Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End [dir: Gore Verbinski]
A Place Called Slaughter Race
Henry Jackman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This lawless car ballet, what can it be?
Am I a baby pigeon, sprouting wings to soar?
Was that a metaphor? Hey, there's a Dollar Store
Look, I'm rhyming; my spirit's climbing
As I'm called through this fog of mace
To this place called Slaughter Race
Hate to see you end up dead
Let's get this party rolling
Is that appliance stolen?
We have
Fallen wires, dumpster fires, creepy clowns, and burning tires
That great white in the sewer
You'll be happy that you knew her
(Thimble)
Dogs and cats, they sure taste great
With a side of license plate
Some flag us deplorable
Well, I think you're adorable
We may be a motley crew, but our hearts ring true
And just for you, a face tattoo
Ah, Slaughter Race, ooh-ooh-oh
My heart's in flight, and, wow, it's a blast
Feels like my dreams are real at least
No trace of a frown upon your face
Flying so fast
Setting the pace
Living the life
Loving the chase
Now is the time
Here is the place
This Slaughter Race
I know I should go
But home feels so slow
These roads are paved with dreams
Happy dreams, not creepy clown dreams
What would Ralph say if it turns out I stay
In this place called Slaughter Race?
In this place called Slaughter Race
The lyrics to Henry Jackman's song A Place Called Slaughter Race describe the main character's excitement and fascination with a lawless and chaotic racing game called Slaughter Race. The opening lines express the character's confusion as to why they are drawn to the game, and they question whether it is akin to a baby bird learning to fly. However, they quickly become caught up in the energy and thrill of the game, comparing it to a "lawless car ballet." Even the mundane, such as a Dollar Store, is exciting in this world. As they navigate the dangerous and unpredictable landscape of Slaughter Race, the character discovers a sense of belonging and a group of misfits who share their passion. The lyrics describe the game's dystopian setting, complete with creepy clowns, burning tires, and flying sharks. Despite the danger, however, the character feels alive and exhilarated. They question whether they should return to their mundane life but ultimately decide to stay in this place called Slaughter Race.
Line by Line Meaning
What can it be that calls me to this place today?
What is it that draws me to this lawless car ballet today?
This lawless car ballet, what can it be?
What is this chaotic and reckless car race that I find myself in?
Am I a baby pigeon, sprouting wings to soar?
Am I like a baby pigeon, growing wings to fly into the unknown?
Was that a metaphor? Hey, there's a Dollar Store
Did I just use a metaphor? Oh look, there's a discount store.
Look, I'm rhyming; my spirit's climbing
Hey, I'm rhyming and feeling more energized.
As I'm called through this fog of mace
Despite the pepper spray in the air, I feel drawn to this place.
To this place called Slaughter Race
To this event known as Slaughter Race.
Welcome back, watch your head
Welcome back to the race, be careful not to hit your head.
Hate to see you end up dead
We don't want to see you get hurt or killed.
Let's get this party rolling
Let's start this event and get things moving.
Is that appliance stolen?
Did you steal that electrical appliance?
We have fallen wires, dumpster fires, creepy clowns, and burning tires
We have hazards like exposed wires, flaming trash bins, frightening clowns, and burning tires.
That great white in the sewer
The alligator lurking in the sewer.
You'll be happy that you knew her
You'll be glad you met that alligator.
(Thimble)
Someone named Thimble is mentioned here, possibly a nickname for a race participant.
Dogs and cats, they sure taste great
We enjoy eating dogs and cats as part of our culture.
With a side of license plate
We even serve license plates as a side dish.
Some flag us deplorable
Some people consider us to be terrible and unworthy of respect.
Well, I think you're adorable
But I personally think you're cute and likable.
We may be a motley crew, but our hearts ring true
We may look like an odd and mismatched group, but we are sincere and genuine.
And just for you, a face tattoo
As a special treat for you, we offer a tattoo on your face.
Ah, Slaughter Race, ooh-ooh-oh
The excitement and thrills of Slaughter Race!
My heart's in flight, and, wow, it's a blast
I feel exhilarated and full of joy.
Feels like my dreams are real at least
I feel like my fantasies and dreams have come to life at this moment.
No trace of a frown upon your face
You can't help but smile during this experience.
Flying so fast
We are racing at high speeds.
Setting the pace
We are setting the tempo and speed of the race.
Living the life
We are living our ideal and thrilling life during this race.
Loving the chase
We relish in the excitement of the chase during the race.
Now is the time
This is the exact moment to enjoy this experience.
Here is the place
This location is the ideal spot for this thrilling event.
This Slaughter Race
This specific event known as Slaughter Race.
I know I should go
I know I should leave and go home.
But home feels so slow
But the idea of returning home seems dull and unexciting now.
These roads are paved with dreams
These streets are filled with opportunities for exciting adventures.
Happy dreams, not creepy clown dreams
The dreams we have in this environment are pleasant and exhilarating, not scary and disturbing like clown dreams.
What would Ralph say if it turns out I stay
I wonder what Ralph, possibly a companion or friend, would think if I decide to stay at Slaughter Race.
In this place called Slaughter Race?
In this event known as Slaughter Race.
Writer(s): ALAN MENKEN, TOM MACDOUGALL, PHILIP JOHNSTON
Contributed by Mila O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Koloido
on Transfiguration (d)
Anyone knows WHO is the singer? Amazing Angelic voice!