Formaldehyde

Album: The Weight Of Your Love (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Formaldehyde (or Methanal) is a colorless gas with a pungent, irritating odor. Its main application is as a disinfectant. In view of its widespread use and toxicity, exposure to formaldehyde is a significant consideration for human health. Lead singer Tom Smith described this track as, "a love song. A sugar coated, dissected heart in a jar, blood soaked love song."
  • Q magazine asked Smith what he would say to his two young children if they started asking why he is singing about chopping up bodies on this song? He replied: "I would explain it's still a love song. It's saying, 'I belong to you, do with me what you will'– that is a loving sentiment, just wrapped up in something scary.'"

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")

Holly Knight ("The Best," "Love Is A Battlefield")Songwriter Interviews

Holly Knight talks about some of the hit songs she wrote, including "The Warrior," "Never" and "The Best," and explains some songwriting philosophy, including how to think of a bridge.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Desmond Child

Desmond ChildSongwriter Interviews

One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."

Oliver Leiber

Oliver LeiberSongwriter Interviews

Oliver Leiber talks about writing and producing hits for Paula Abdul, and explains his complicated relationship with his father, the songwriter Jerry Leiber.

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Tim Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Tim and his brother Richard are the Furs' foundation; Tim explains how they write and tells the story of "Pretty In Pink."