Abattoir Blues by Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

Album: Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus (2004)

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

This is one of a number of songs in which Cave draws on a sense of post-nuclear apocalypse, without explaining what actually happened. The Australian singer explained to Mojo magazine March 2009 that, "it's the apocalypse that's happened or is happening incrementally, gradually. Or it's metaphoric." He added: "I like the apocalyptic backdrop for a human story. Although I read the newspapers, I'm still not very interested in writing about that stuff."

Comments: 1

Mickey Knox from Crowleyville, WvWow. "Abattoir Blues" rocks. I like the whole post-nuclear apocalypse idea especially since Mad Max is one of my favorite movies. I have often wondered what would life would be like in a dystopian society. Would the survivors devolve ino simply hunter/gatherer types or would they become more of a barbaric tribe. Like I previously stated I like movies and songs that have a bleak future theme and Abattior Blues fits right in.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Blame GameKanye West

Chris Rock appears on the Kanye West track "Blame Game."

Walk Like a ManThe Four Seasons

The Four Seasons' "Walk Like a Man," released in 1963, was the first Hot 100 #1 hit with a simile in its title.

Theme From ShaftIsaac Hayes

When "Theme From Shaft" won an Oscar in 1972, Isaac Hayes became the first African American to win in the Best Song category.

At This MomentBilly Vera & the Beaters

"At This Moment" was first released by Billy Vera & the Beaters in 1981, and hit #79. After it was used in two episodes of Family Ties in 1985-1986, it went to #1.

Brass In PocketPretenders

Chrissie Hynde got the phrase "Brass In Pocket" from a Northern England slang term meaning you had some money, "brass" meaning coins.

MC Skat Kat was created for the remix of "Opposites Attract," which was released as the last single from Paula Abdul's Forever Your Girl album. The team that created the Kat also did a-ha's "Take On Me" video.

Editor's Picks

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Susanna Hoffs - "Eternal Flame"They're Playing My Song

The Prince-penned "Manic Monday" was the first song The Bangles heard coming from a car radio, but "Eternal Flame" is closest to Susanna's heart, perhaps because she sang it in "various states of undress."

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Meshell NdegeocelloSongwriter Interviews

Meshell Ndegeocello talks about recording "Wild Night" with John Mellencamp, and explains why she shied away from the spotlight.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."