Child Called "It"

Album: Black Butterfly (2008)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was inspired by Dave Pelzer's 1995 memoir of horrific child abuse A Child Called "It". Todd explained on Buckcherry's record label's website: "There were times when I had to put the book down because the abuse of this boy was so bad, but I felt like the book found me… I was compelled to write this song out of inspiration from this guy's incredible journey."
  • Guitarist Keith Nelson told Dayton's student newspaper Flyer News: "We don't usually make music or have songs [about controversial topics] - you know, we're the party band, we want to host the party, we don't usually tackle something like child abuse, but it seemed appropriate and the song came out great."
  • Another track on Black Butterfly, the redemptive "Rescue Me," was also inspired by A Child Called "It".

Comments: 1

  • D from Waterloo, Iathis is a great song by a great band. it's also got a sad message and inspirational.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: '80s EditionMusic Quiz

You know the scenes - Tom Cruise in his own pants-off dance off, Molly Ringwald celebrating her birthday - but do you remember what song is playing?

Chris Squire of Yes

Chris Squire of YesSongwriter Interviews

One of the most dynamic bass player/songwriters of his time, Chris is the only member of Yes who has been with the band since they formed in 1968.