Pretty Noose

Album: Down On The Upside (1996)
Charted: 14 37
Play Video
  • I caught the moon today
    Pick it up
    And throw it away all right
    I got the perfect steal
    A cleaner love
    With a dirty feel all right
    Fallout and take the bait
    Eat the fruit
    And kiss the snake goodnight

    Common ruse, dirty face
    Pretty noose is pretty hate
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from

    Let your motor race
    Pick it up
    And get this mother gone
    Out from and far away
    The wooden stake
    This thing has got me on

    Diamond rope, silver chain
    Pretty noose is pretty pain
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from

    Common ruse, dirty face
    Pretty noose is pretty hate
    And I don't care what you got
    I don't care what you need
    I don't want anything
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from

    And I don't like what you got me hanging from
    And I don't like what you got me hanging from
    Yeah Writer/s: Chris Cornell
    Publisher: Hipgnosis Songs Group, Peermusic Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 9

  • Vinnie from Canadamost likely pretty noose is premonition to things that have to come on how he died eyes open?
  • Dewayne from EnglandI totally agree Tom! Cornell's songs totally changed the way I wrote but more in terms of the music than the lyrics.
  • Kayla from Oklahoma City, Ok--Tom: I completely agree.
  • Wes from Ohio, OhJust like Cornell say's in one of his live show's before he kicks into "pretty noose" .."This song is about the bitch ...F--king Bitch" ..Love that version
  • Personman from Seattle, WaI remember back when the video for this song was first released that Chris Cornell likened this song to Fruit Loops, the cereal. "It's about how things that seem great at one point in your life aren't later on. Like how when you're a little kid you can eat a box of Fruit Loops and feel great, but when you're older it just makes you sick."
  • Brian from Vancouver, CanadaI think this songs about a relationship and how the womans misleading ways become the "pretty noose", but thats just my interpretation.
  • Aaron from Palm Bay, FlYeah, if you look closely at the lyrics concerning the silver chain and the other metallic images, I'd venture to say that it has a lot to do with his wife and their divorce. Pretty Noose, Burden in My Hand, and Blow up the Outside World, all talk about these things. It's the story of his life in song. That's what is so awesome about him.
  • Derp from Jackson, Msi think this song is about being mistreated by someone. That someone is hanging you by treating u badly
  • Tom from Cleveland, OhCornell is easily one of the greatest, most underappreciated lyricists ever. I credit him immensely for my growth as a songwriter. I always assumed the song was about the stress that accompanied finding fame as a band. From Cornell's reclusive years as a teen and his bought with alcoholism, Soundgarden's transition from relative obscurity to 'grunge' powerhouse might have been a tad bit overwhelming. I love the cryptic nature of Cornell's lyrics because they open a window for various interpretations. Great song, underrated album.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dave Edmunds

Dave EdmundsSongwriter Interviews

A renowned guitarist and rock revivalist, Dave took "I Hear You Knocking" to the top of the UK charts and was the first to record Elvis Costello's "Girls Talk."

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New York

Barney Hoskyns Explores The Forgotten History Of Woodstock, New YorkSong Writing

Our chat with Barney Hoskyns, who covers the wild years of Woodstock - the town, not the festival - in his book Small Town Talk.

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.