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

Colin Hay

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Charles Fox

Charles FoxSongwriter Interviews

After studying in Paris with a famous composition teacher, Charles became the most successful writer of TV theme songs.

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Little Richard

Little RichardFact or Fiction

Was Long Tall Sally a cross-dresser? Did he really set his piano on fire? See if you know the real stories about one of rock's greatest innovators.