There has been more than one band called The Preachers, including an Americ… Read Full Bio ↴There has been more than one band called The Preachers, including an American band of the 60s and a Swedish garage punk band of the 80s.

To compare Sydney newcomers The Preachers to any musical acts would be unfair. Not that they don’t have their influences (Think Patti Smith and Wolfman Jack with a dash of Fleetwood Mac) but their live show is more reminiscent of a religious cult. From the howling voodoo high priest Gideon Bensen to the Magdeline-esque passion of Isabella Manfredi, the voices in this band stir up a religious fervor that makes you want to drink the kool aid and wait for the spaceship. And after only one year together and the release of a self-titled EP, The Preachers are embarking on a project that flicks the finger to all expectation. Dubbed ‘The 66 Project: Six Songs in Six Months’ it sees the band in collaboration with local artists, filmmakers, and producer Tony Buchen (Tim Finn, WIM) to release free music until May 2011. For this month’s release head to www.thepreachers.com.au .

Who Do You Love
The Preachers Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Aah

I walk 47 miles of barbed wire
I use a cobra-snake for a necktie
I got a brand new house by the roadside

Made from rattlesnake hide

I got a brand new chimney made on top
Made from a human skull
Arlene, come on, babe
Take a walk with me
And tell me

Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?

Arlene, take me by the hand
And tell me "ooh wee, dad, I understand"

I say
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Aah

Night was black, the night was blue
Round the corner, ice-wagon flew
A beep was heard, and somebody scream
You shoulda heard just what I seen

I say
Who do you love?
Who do you love?
Who do you love?

Who do you love?
Who do you love?

Who do you love?
Aah

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of The Preachers's song "Who Do You Love" evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue with its repetitive questioning about who the singer loves. The song opens with a sense of defiance and danger as the singer boasts about walking 47 miles of barbed wire and wearing a cobra-snake as a necktie. These lines could be interpreted as a metaphor for the rugged and perilous journey the singer has taken in life, facing obstacles and dangers along the way. The imagery of a brand new house made from rattlesnake hide and a chimney made from a human skull evokes a sense of dark and unconventional living, hinting at the singer's unconventional and perhaps even sinister lifestyle.

The introduction of Arlene in the lyrics adds a layer of intimacy and longing to the narrative, as the singer invites her to take a walk with him and asks her, "Who do you love?" This question could signify the singer's insecurity and eagerness to know where he stands in Arlene's affections, emphasizing the theme of love and connection that runs throughout the song. The repetition of the question "Who do you love?" highlights the singer's desperation for clarity and reassurance in his relationship with Arlene, suggesting a deep and unresolved emotional conflict within him.

The second half of the song introduces a vivid scene of a dark and chaotic night, with an ice-wagon flying around the corner and a scream piercing the air. These unsettling images serve to heighten the sense of tension and urgency in the lyrics, building towards a climax of uncertainty and fear. The singer's repeated questioning of "Who do you love?" in this chaotic setting further emphasizes his inner turmoil and the longing for stability and love amidst the turmoil and unpredictability of life.

In conclusion, The Preachers's song "Who Do You Love" is a haunting and enigmatic exploration of love, longing, and uncertainty. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a narrator grappling with questions of identity, connection, and purpose in a world filled with danger and darkness. The repetitive questioning and vivid imagery create a sense of suspense and unease, drawing the listener into the singer's emotional journey as he seeks answers to the elusive question of love.

Line by Line Meaning

Who do you love?
Questioning the depth and sincerity of affection towards someone

I walk 47 miles of barbed wire
Enduring obstacles and challenges in pursuit of love

I use a cobra-snake for a necktie
Embracing danger and risk for the sake of love

I got a brand new house by the roadside
Establishing a new home in unconventional places for love

Made from rattlesnake hide
Building a home from unpredictable and unexpected circumstances

I got a brand new chimney made on top
Creating a symbol of warmth and comfort amidst darkness

Made from human skull
Using unconventional materials to build a sense of belonging

Arlene, come on, babe
Inviting a loved one to share experiences

Take a walk with me
Embarking on a journey together to explore the depths of affection

Arlene, take me by the hand
Seeking emotional connection and support from a partner

And tell me "ooh wee, dad, I understand"
Expressing comprehension and empathy towards one's feelings

Night was black, the night was blue
Describing a sense of mystery and uncertainty in love

Round the corner, ice-wagon flew
Signifying unexpected events and changes in relationships

A beep was heard, and somebody scream
Highlighting the intensity and passion in romantic interactions

You shoulda heard just what I seen
Sharing unique experiences and perspectives on love

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Ellas McDaniel

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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