Jack the Ripper
Nick Cave
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I got a woman She rules my house with an iron fist I got a woman She rules my house with an iron fist She screams out Jack the Ripper Every time I try to give that girl a kiss Oh well I got a woman She strikes me down with a fist of lead Oh well I got a woman She strikes me down with a hand of lead We bed in a bucket of butcher's knives I awake with a hatchet hanging over my head Well you know the story of the viper It's long and lean with poison tooth Oh well, you know the story of the viper It's long, it's lean, it's got a poison tooth Well they're hissing under the floorboards Hanging down in bunches from my roof I got a woman She just hollers what she wants from where she's at I got a woman She just hollers what she wants from where she is She screams out Jack the Ripper Every time I try to give that girl a kiss
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22 facts about this song
Release and Collaboration"Jack the Ripper" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds was released in 1992 as a part of their "Henry’s Dream" album.
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Album SuccessDespite its dark themes, "Henry's Dream," the album which contains "Jack the Ripper," is one of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' most commercially successful.
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Lyrics & ThemesThis song, like many others in the album, displays Cave's fascination with morbid and dark themes as it references one of history's most notorious unsolved serial killing sprees.
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Musical Style"Jack the Ripper" is a distinct blend of post-punk and alternative rock, a genre where Nick Cave had established a notable influence.
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InspirationThe song interestingly draws inspiration from the infamous 19th-century English serial killer known as "Jack the Ripper," blending historical narratives with fictional accounts.
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Cover VersionsIt's a popular number for cover versions. Notably, the American indie rock band "The White Stripes" performed a cover of "Jack the Ripper" during their live shows.
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PerformanceThe song, particulary due to its dark theme and high-strung energy, is known to stir up powerful reactions when performed live.
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Song WritingCurrent 93’s David Tibet helped Nick Cave write this song, adding further to its unique texture.
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InstrumentsThe heavily distortion of an electric guitar is a significant feature in "Jack the Ripper."
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Cultural ImpactMany fans and critics regard "Jack the Ripper" as a song that defines Nick Cave's storytelling prowess and dark, raw music style. It had a profound impact on many post-punk and alternative bands that followed.
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Song Origin"Jack the Ripper" is a song by Australian musician, Nick Cave.
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Album InformationIt is part of his 1992 album "Henry's Dream," which is the seventh album by Cave and his band The Bad Seeds.
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Music Genre"Jack the Ripper" is often categorized as alternative rock or post-punk. It fuses elements of blues, gothic rock, and punk rock.
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Song InspirationThe song's title, "Jack the Ripper", is a reference to the infamous serial killer who operated in the East End of London in 1888.
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Lyrical ContentThe lyrics of "Jack the Ripper" combine elements of dark humor and grim storytelling, common traits of Nick Cave's songwriting style.
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Live Performance"Jack the Ripper" is a well-loved song for many fans and is frequently featured in Nick Cave's live performances.
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Music VideoThere is no official music video for the song.
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Song AnalysisDespite its dark overtones and references to a serial killer, many take "Jack the Ripper" as symbolic of a raw, untamed side of human behavior and not a literal endorsement of violence, consistent with Nick Cave's standard lyrical approach.
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Critics ResponseCritics often highlight "Jack the Ripper" as one of the standout tracks on the "Henry's Dream" album.
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Covers and Adaptations"Jack the Ripper" has been covered by several artists and bands, including alternative rock band the Horrors.
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MessageThrough his art, Cave often explores themes of violence, religion, love, and humanity.
"Jack the Ripper" is a potent mix of these themes.
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ProductionThe song was recorded in Sound City Studios, an iconic recording studio in Van Nuys, Los Angeles.
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Citation
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"Jack the Ripper Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 24 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5083988/Nick+Cave/Jack+the+Ripper>.
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