Currently Martyn Jacques, Adrian Stout, Adrian Huge (Past member Phil Butcher)
Their surreal style has been described as dark, darkly humorous, strangely humorous, Brechtian, and gypsy cabaret. They are also notorious for singing controversial songs involving bestiality, prostitution and blasphemy.
The Tiger Lillies were originally buskers, playing songs about the criminals, pimps and whores of Soho, London, England. Over time, the band became involved in several theatrical productions around the world, including the critically acclaimed Shockheaded Peter. Known for their intense, outlandish, and dark performances, they have garnered both controversy and critical acclaim.
Also "The Tiger Lillies", "The Tigerlilies" and "The Tigerlillies" may refer to Indie rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio that formed in 1989.
Bio:
Cincinnati's power pop stalwarts the Tigerlillies formed in 1989 and set out to fuse glam rock, roots rock, and post-punk into an aesthetic they called "More Pop than Jesus." Led by vocalist/guitarist Pat Hennessy, the band also included former members of the Chrome Cranks, the Candy Snatchers, and G.G. Allin & the Murder Junkies before settling on the lineup of Hennessy, guitarist/vocalist William Weber, bassist Brian Driscoll, and drummer/vocalist Steve Hennessy.
Discography:
Deep (1992)
Space Age Love Songs (1997)
Ceci N'est Ces Pop (2003)
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King Is Dead
The Tiger Lillies Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Prince Hamlet is stricken with grief
His mother has married the new king
Scarcely after her old husband the old king is dead
|: The king is dead, long live the king :|
Prince Hamlet now does choke
His mother copulates with the new king,
While her old husband’s corpse is still warm
|: The king is dead, long live the king :|
Prince Hamlet is filled with grief
He feels as if his father has been stolen by a thief
His mother’s orgasmic cries
When her old husband has just died
|: The king is dead, long live the king :|
The Tiger Lillies's song "King Is Dead" is a haunting ballad that speaks about the turmoil and grief that Prince Hamlet is going through after his father's death. As the opening line suggests, the new king has ascended to the throne, but Hamlet is in no mood to celebrate. He is overcome with emotions, pain, and confusion because his mother has hastily remarried, which Hamlet perceives as a betrayal of his father's memory. The chorus of the song, "The king is dead, long live the king," is a traditional phrase used to announce the ascension of a new monarch. Still, in the context of the song, it becomes a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of power and the callousness of those in positions of authority.
The lyrics of the song describe Hamlet's agony brilliantly. The lines, "Prince Hamlet now does choke, Prince Hamlet's heart is broke" powerfully encapsulate Hamlet's state of mind. The description of Hamlet's mother's sexual act with the new king while her old husband's corpse is still warm adds to the song's overall melancholic atmosphere. The verse, "He feels as if his father has been stolen by a thief, his mother's orgasmic cries when her old husband has just died," is a poignant commentary on the human condition, reminding us that even in moments of grief, life goes on.
Overall, "King Is Dead" is a powerful and tragic song that delves into the themes of power, betrayal, and grief. It is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the complexity of human emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
The king is dead, long live the king
Despite the old king's passing, a new king has emerged to take his place.
Prince Hamlet is stricken with grief
Prince Hamlet is overcome with sadness.
His mother has married the new king
Hamlet's mother has wed the new ruler after the old one died.
Scarcely after her old husband the old king is dead
The new king's promotion to the throne closely followed his predecessor's death.
The king is dead, long live the king
Amidst the tragedy of death, life moves on and the new king reigns.
Prince Hamlet now does choke
Prince Hamlet is struggling to come to terms with his emotions.
Prince Hamlet’s heart is broke
The prince's heart is broken.
His mother copulates with the new king,
Hamlet's mother is engaging in sexual activity with the new ruler.
While her old husband’s corpse is still warm
This is happening when her previous husband's body is still warm.
The king is dead, long live the king
The transition of power from the old king to the new one is complete.
Prince Hamlet is filled with grief
Hamlet is experiencing overwhelming sadness.
He feels as if his father has been stolen by a thief
Hamlet feels that his father was taken from him unjustly.
His mother’s orgasmic cries
Hamlet can hear his mother's passionate cries.
When her old husband has just died
This is happening right after her previous husband's death.
The king is dead, long live the king
Amidst the chaos, a new king has emerged and must be recognized.
Contributed by Elijah N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.