After an extended hiatus from recording, 2006's Choreography (2006), demonstrated a remarkable growth in her songwriting and performance. Her latest album, Interplanetary Traveler, was released in Jaunary 2010.
Hoffman has also participated in a number of other musical projects from time to time.
The Cannibal Ed
Lauren Hoffman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They're coming through the windows,
And they're coming for my head.
I'm fattened up for killing season,
Helping God to find a reason,
Just to feed me quickly to,
The cannibal named ed.
The wintertime was long,
But the warm winds are a-blowin now,
And I'm looking to the sky,
Like an optimistic summer sow.
The walls here aren't sturdy,
And songs of freedom fill my head,
As I befriend,
The cannibal named ed.
Feeding time is dangerous,
Don't touch the beast unless you must,
He's grinning through his shiny teeth,
He's dreaming of his bloody feast.
So try to find the safest distance,
Or the path of least resistance,
Lest you be fed to,
The cannibal named ed,
The cannibal named ed.
The song “The Cannibal Ed” by Lauren Hoffman tells a story of a person who is in imminent danger. The cannibals are lurking and out for blood once the good kids are in bed. The persona of the song knows that they are the one being preyed upon, and they can sense that they are being targeted by the cannibal named Ed. It is like the persona is merely waiting to be killed and eaten by the cannibals. The persona is also aware of the fact that they are being fattened up to ensure that they are in the best possible condition for the killing season. The song portrays a feeling of despair and hopelessness as the persona sees no escape from their impending doom.
The second half of the song takes a turn for the worse as the persona seems resigned to their fate. The walls surrounding the persona are not sturdy, but they see no point in trying to escape. Instead, the persona has chosen to befriend the cannibal named Ed, as they are a lost cause. Feeding time is dangerous, and anyone coming close to Ed without good reason is in grave danger. The persona of the song implores others to stay away from Ed, accepting that their own fate is sealed.
Overall, “The Cannibal Ed” by Lauren Hoffman is a dark and haunting song that tells a story of surrender to one's fate in the face of overwhelming danger.
Line by Line Meaning
The cannibals are out long after good kids are in bed,
This line means that the cannibals prowl at night, long after the good children have gone to bed and are no longer up to protect themselves.
They're coming through the windows,
This line means that the cannibals are breaking into the house through the windows to attack the singer.
And they're coming for my head.
This line means that the cannibals are not only attacking the singer but they are specifically targeting her head, which is probably indicative of some ritualistic symbolism.
I'm fattened up for killing season,
This line means that the artist feeling like a pig being fattened up prior to being slaughtered for food.
Helping God to find a reason,
This line means that the artist feels like she is being sacrificed for some greater purpose or meaning - in this case, she is helping God to find a reason for her death.
Just to feed me quickly to,
This line means that the singer has resigned herself to the fact that she is going to be killed and eaten, and it's only a matter of time before it happens.
The cannibal named ed.
This line is a refrain that reminds the listener of who the singer's killer is: a cannibal named Ed.
The wintertime was long,
This line means that the artist has been in this situation for a long time, even though the actual winter may have already passed.
But the warm winds are a-blowin now,
This line means that things are starting to change - warmer winds may be indicative of spring or a new beginning.
And I'm looking to the sky,
This line means that the artist is hopeful and is seeking answers or help from above.
Like an optimistic summer sow.
This line is a metaphor comparing the singer to a pig that is hopeful and optimistic despite its bleak surroundings.
The walls here aren't sturdy,
This line means that the artist's surroundings are fragile and offer little protection or security.
And songs of freedom fill my head,
This line means that the singer is hopeful and dreams of a life free from captivity and danger.
As I befriend,
This line means that the singer has formed some sort of relationship or bond with the cannibal named Ed.
The cannibal named ed.
This line, yet again, is a refrain that reminds the listener of who the singer's killer is: a cannibal named Ed.
Feeding time is dangerous,
This line means that the act of feeding the cannibal named Ed is risky and should be avoided.
Don't touch the beast unless you must,
This line means that the cannibal named Ed is dangerous and unpredictable, and should only be approached if absolutely necessary.
He's grinning through his shiny teeth,
This line means that the cannibal named Ed is looking forward to eating his next meal, which is unsettling and scary.
He's dreaming of his bloody feast.
This line means that the cannibal named Ed is imagining the upcoming meal at the expense of the singer's life.
So try to find the safest distance,
This line means that the artist should try to keep a safe distance from the cannibal named Ed to avoid becoming his next meal.
Or the path of least resistance,
This line means that the artist should try to avoid conflict or confrontation with the cannibal named Ed to ensure her own survival.
Lest you be fed to,
This line means that if the artist is not careful, she is likely to end up as food for the cannibal named Ed.
The cannibal named ed,
This line, once again, is a refrain that reminds the listener of who the singer's killer is: a cannibal named Ed.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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