Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead
XTC
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
Peter Pumpkinhead came to town Spreading wisdom and cash around Fed the starving and housed the poor Showed the Vatican what gold's for But he made too many enemies Of the people who would keep us on our knees Hooray for Peter Pumpkin Who'll pray for Peter Pumpkinhead? Oh my! Peter Pumpkinhead pulled them all Emptied churches and shopping malls Where he spoke, it would raise the roof Peter Pumpkinhead told the truth But he made too many enemies... Peter Pumpkinhead put to shame Governments who would slur his name Plots and sex scandals failed outright Peter merely said Any kind of love is alright But he made too many enemies... Peter Pumpkinhead was too good Had him nailed to a chunk of wood He died grinning on live TV Hanging there he looked a lot like you And an awful lot like me! But he made too many enemies... Hooray for Peter Pumpkin Who'll pray for Peter Pumpkin Hooray for Peter Pumpkinhead Oh my oh my oh! Doesn't it make you want to cry oh?
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
10 facts about this song
Song Creation"The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" was written by Andy Partridge of the British rock band XTC for their 1992 album, "Nonsuch."
|
Song InspirationPartridge was inspired to write the song after carving a pumpkin head for Halloween. He thought the pumpkin resembled a politician blankly smiling.
|
Song ThemeThis song is often interpreted as a commentary on political leaders who are persecuted for promoting the betterment of society.
|
Chart Performance"The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" reached number one on the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart in the US and number 71 in the UK.
|
Video FeaturesThe music video starred British actor Mark Heap and featured footage of world leaders and significant moments in history.
|
Song CoversA version of this song was covered by Crash Test Dummies for the soundtrack of the 1994 film, "Dumb and Dumber."
|
Music Style"The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" has been described as a folk-rock song with a clear influence from Bob Dylan.
|
Lyrical MeaningThe lyrics describe Peter Pumpkinhead as a character who angers officials by advocating for actions such as feeding the starving and housing the poor.
|
Song LegacyThe song remains one of XTC's best-known tracks and remains a staple of alternative-rock radio stations in the United States.
|
Music ProductionThe track was produced by famed producer Gus Dudgeon, who had previously worked with artists such as Elton John and David Bowie.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/35381196/XTC/Ballad+of+Peter+Pumpkinhead>.
Discuss the Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In