Abattoir Blues

Album: Abattoir Blues/The Lyre of Orpheus (2004)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is one of a number of songs in which Cave draws on a sense of post-nuclear apocalypse, without explaining what actually happened. The Australian singer explained to Mojo magazine March 2009 that, "it's the apocalypse that's happened or is happening incrementally, gradually. Or it's metaphoric." He added: "I like the apocalyptic backdrop for a human story. Although I read the newspapers, I'm still not very interested in writing about that stuff."

Comments: 1

  • Mickey Knox from Crowleyville, WvWow. "Abattoir Blues" rocks. I like the whole post-nuclear apocalypse idea especially since Mad Max is one of my favorite movies. I have often wondered what would life would be like in a dystopian society. Would the survivors devolve ino simply hunter/gatherer types or would they become more of a barbaric tribe. Like I previously stated I like movies and songs that have a bleak future theme and Abattior Blues fits right in.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-Nighters

Waiting For The Break of Day: Three Classic Songs About All-NightersSong Writing

These Three famous songs actually describe how they were written - late into the evening.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Michael Sweet of Stryper

Michael Sweet of StryperSongwriter Interviews

Find out how God and glam metal go together from the Stryper frontman.