Howard's Tale

Sick Puppies

About Howard's Tale

Howard's Tale is a semi controversial song on the Sick Puppies' album Dressed Up as Life. The song vaguely talks about the events of a boy as he grows up and becomes an adult. Many think the song deals with some form of abuse, be it sexual abuse, drug abuse, physical abuse, or all of the three. Some have even made connections between the song and a theme of homosexuality. It has been rumored that the song "Monsters", a bonus track from Sick Puppies' album Tri-Polar, is a follow up to "Howard's Tale". The most notable link between the songs is in the intro of "Monsters", there is a high-pitched, half-audible voice that says "Howard, Howard, crying in the shower/Howard, Howard, been in there for hours". 


Year:
2007
4:12
139 
#1

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Age five just a little boy shy
Is he ready for the big surprise
He'll be playin' Lego in a dream
When the shadows come to life

Age nine then he should've been fine with a secret he's sure to keep
Two times and they tell a little lie
For the sake of him and me
Now it's over
I need closure

Hey! look what you did to me
While you were ticking me off
Gotta be stoned leave me alone
I'm waiting for mom to comfort me
But when I open my mouth
Don't say, nothing

Age twelve and it isn't going well
Now he's three years to the day
Confused, but unlike you
This feeling wont go away

Sixteen and the woman down the street
Has invited him to come inside
First time and it didn't feel right
It'll be the last time he tries

Hey! look what you did to me
While you were ticking me off
Gotta be stoned leave me alone
I'm waiting for mom to comfort me
But when I open my mouth
Don't say, nothing's wrong

I wont say nothing's wrong.
I wont say I wont say
I wont say I wont say
I wont say I wont say

Seventeen and all he's ever seen is
A limit in between the lies
It's kind of funny how a mind
Can keep living in denial

Eighteen is a very strange scene,
And hes still playin with the past
Expelled, maybe someone could've helped
If someone had known to ask

Hey! look what you did to me
While you were ticking me off
Gotta be stoned leave me alone
I'm waiting for mom to comfort me
But when I open my mouth
Don't say, nothing

Nineteen and he's innocently
Parked right beside a school
He stares at a boy sittin' there
And the boy stares at him too
He walks over
He needs closure

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Sick Puppies

Sick Puppies is an Australian rock band, formed in 1997. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Shimon Moore, bassist Emma Anzai and drummer Mark Goodwin. more »

1 fan

Written by: Brett Matthew Creswell, Emma Anzai, Shimon Moore, UNKNOWN

Lyrics © Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Context
"Howard's Tale" is a song by Sick Puppies from their second studio album, "Tri-Polar," which was released in July 2009.
Song Content and Inspiration
The song tells the real-life story of a young man named Howard who becomes involved in prostitution at an early age. The lyrics depict the social issues related to sexual abuse and trauma.
Song Genre
It falls under the alternative rock and post-grunge genres.
Impact and Recognition
"Howard's Tale" stands out due to its deep and emotional narrative. While it's not one of the band's most commercially successful songs, it made an impact on fans and listeners due to the tragic tale it tells.
Band Origin
Sick Puppies is an Australian band, formed in 1997. However, "Howard's Tale," like the rest of the tracks on "Tri-Polar," was produced when the band was based in the United States.
Songwriting Credits
Like most songs by Sick Puppies, band members Shim Moore and Emma Anzai are credited as songwriters.
Music Video
Unlike the other popular tracks from the album like "You're Going Down" and "Maybe," "Howard's Tale" did not receive an official music video.
Reception and Critic's Take
Critics praised the song's profound storytelling and emotional depth. It signifies the dark and painful side of society by unfolding Howard's story.
Fan Interpretations
Many fans view "Howard's Tale" as a powerful awareness tool to address the issue of child abuse. They appreciate Sick Puppies' bravery in tackling such difficult subject matter through their music.
Live Performances
"Howard's Tale," while not a frequent inclusion in the band's live sets, has made several appearances over the years, each time evoking a strong emotional response from the audience.

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