Eat For Two

Album: Blind Man's Zoo (1989)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • 10,000 Maniacs lead singer Natalie Merchant, who wrote this track, explained that she was not making a moral judgment in this song about a young pregnant woman. It's also not autobiographical. Said Merchant: "I enjoy creating characters and leaving people to draw their own conclusions. In the song 'Eat For Two,' as far as I'm concerned, the girl is too young to have a child, she knows it but she's five months gone and all she can do is have the child. But the song doesn't condemn her, it's about her situation."
  • This inspired Michael Stipe of R.E.M. to write a song for their 1991 album, Out Of Time called "Me In Honey," which is a male perspective on pregnancy. Stipe and Merchant are good friends, and he has cited her as an influence on his songwriting.
  • This song was a highlight of 10,000 Maniacs 1993 MTV Unplugged special. This acoustic version was used as the B-side of their single "Because The Night."

Comments: 3

  • Fred from Fredville, Nyawful stupid song. that tinny strumming guitar is ear rape.
  • Steven from Jamestown NyMs. Merchant and Mr Stipe were and are friends.
  • Myla from San Diego, CaDidn't Natalie Merchant and Michael Stipe go out at one time?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

Hardy

HardySongwriter Interviews

The country hitmaker talks about his debut album, A Rock, and how a nursery rhyme inspired his hit single "One Beer."

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" Album

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" AlbumSong Writing

In the summer of 1990, you could get arrested for selling a 2 Live Crew album or performing their songs in Southern Florida. And that's exactly what happened.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien Songs

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien SongsSong Writing

The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.

Michelle Branch

Michelle BranchSongwriter Interviews

Michelle Branch talks about "Everywhere," "The Game Of Love," and her run-in with a Christian broadcasting network.