Child Called "It"

Album: Black Butterfly (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was inspired by Dave Pelzer's 1995 memoir of horrific child abuse A Child Called "It". Todd explained on Buckcherry's record label's website: "There were times when I had to put the book down because the abuse of this boy was so bad, but I felt like the book found me… I was compelled to write this song out of inspiration from this guy's incredible journey."
  • Guitarist Keith Nelson told Dayton's student newspaper Flyer News: "We don't usually make music or have songs [about controversial topics] - you know, we're the party band, we want to host the party, we don't usually tackle something like child abuse, but it seemed appropriate and the song came out great."
  • Another track on Black Butterfly, the redemptive "Rescue Me," was also inspired by A Child Called "It".

Comments: 1

  • D from Waterloo, Iathis is a great song by a great band. it's also got a sad message and inspirational.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Sam Hollander

Sam HollanderSongwriter Interviews

The hitmaking songwriter/producer Sam Hollander with stories about songs for Weezer, Panic! At The Disco, Train, Pentatonix, and Fitz And The Tantrums.

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)

Dexys (Kevin Rowland and Jim Paterson)Songwriter Interviews

"Come On Eileen" was a colossal '80s hit, but the band - far more appreciated in their native UK than stateside - released just three albums before their split. Now, Dexys is back.

Kiss

KissFact or Fiction

Kiss is the subject of many outlandish rumors - some of which happen to be true. See if you can spot the fakes.

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"

Allen Toussaint - "Southern Nights"They're Playing My Song

A song he wrote and recorded from "sheer spiritual inspiration," Allen's didn't think "Southern Nights" had hit potential until Glen Campbell took it to #1 two years later.