Mercy

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Nick Cave

About Mercy

"The Mercy Seat" is a song written by Nick Cave (lyrics and music) and Mick Harvey (music), originally performed by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds on the 1988 album Tender Prey. The song has been covered by others, including Johnny Cash, Camille O'Sullivan and Unter Null. Rolling Stone editor Toby Creswell lists it as one of the 1001 greatest songs.


57 
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I stood in the water
In the middle month of winter
My camel skin was torture
I was in a state of nature
The wind, sir, it was wicked
I was so alone
Just as I predicted
My followers were gone

And I cried `Mercy'
Have mercy upon me
And I got down on my knees

Thrown into a dungeon
Bread and water was my portion
Faith - my only weapon
To rest the devil's legion
The speak-hole would slide open
A viper's voice would plead
Thick with innuendo
Syphilis and Greed

And she cried `Mercy'
Have mercy upon me
And I told her to get down on her knees

In a garden full of roses
My hands, tied behind me
My cousin was working miracles
I wondered if he'd find me
The moon was turned toward me
Like a platter made of gold
My death, it almost bored me
So often was it told

And I cried `Mercy'
I cried mercy on me
Cryind `Mercy'
Have mercy on me

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Nick Cave

Nicholas Edward "Nick" Cave (born 22 September 1957) is an Australian musician, songwriter, author, screenwriter, composer and occasional film actor. more »

3 fans

Written by: Nicholas Cave

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Songwriters
"Mercy" is a song written by the talented Aussie musician Nick Cave for his band, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
Album
It was released in 1984 on the album "From Her to Eternity," which is the debut studio album of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds.
Unique Sound
"Mercy" is known for its dark lyricism and unique instrumentation, bringing together elements of rock, punk and blues.
Theme
The song contains deep personal messages and melancholic themes, which are common in most of Nick Cave's work and particularly prevalent on the album "From Her to Eternity".
Artistic Growth
The song "Mercy" reflects Cave's progression as an artist, marking a departure from the post-punk sound of his previous band The Birthday Party.
Notable Performer
Barry Adamson, an English rock musician who was a part of the Bad Seeds during this era, played a significant role in the creation of the song, providing the driving bass line.
Influences
The sound and lyrics of "Mercy" reflect Cave's various influences, ranging from blues musicians like Leadbelly to the post-punk scene of the 1980s.
Reception
"Mercy," along with the rest of the "From Her to Eternity" album, received positive reviews, solidifying Cave's position as a noteworthy figure in alternative rock.
Live Reception
The song is known to take a different form during live performances, often becoming even more dynamic and intense.
Cultural Impact
"Mercy's influence can be seen in the works of various alternative rock, punk, and gothic rock artists, evidencing Cave's significant impact on these genres.

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    "Mercy Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 6 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5022618/Nick+Cave/Mercy>.

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