Summer Cannibals
Patti Smith
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I was down in Georgia Nothing was as real As the street beneath my feet Descending into air The cauldron was a-bubbling The flesh was lean And the women moved forward Like piranhas in a stream They spread themselves before me An offering so sweet And they beckoned and they beckoned Come on darling eat Eat the summer cannibals Eat eat eat You eat the summer cannibals Eat eat eat They circled around me Natives in a ring And I saw their souls a-withering Like snakes in chains And they wrapped themselves around me Ummm what a treat And they rattled their tales hissin' Come on let's eat Eat the summer cannibals Eat eat eat You eat the summer cannibals Eat eat eat I felt a rising in my throat The girls a-saying grace And the air the viscous air Pressed against my face And it all got too damn much for me Just got too damn rough And I pushed away my plate And said boys I've had enough And I laid upon the table Another piece of meat And I opened up my veins to them And said come on eat Eat the summer cannibals Eat eat eat You eat the summer cannibals Eat eat eat You eat the summer cannibals Eat eat eat You eat the summer cannibals Eat eat eat 'Cause I was down in Georgia Nothing was as real As the street beneath my feet Descending into hell So eat eat eat You eat eat eat You eat eat eat Eat eat eat
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Written by: FRED SMITH, PATTI SMITH
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
14 facts about this song
Album Release"Summer Cannibals" is a song by Patti Smith that was included in her 1996 album "Gone Again."
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Genre ClassificationThis song takes influence from various music genres, including rock, punk rock, and art punk.
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Album ThemeThe album "Gone Again" revolves around themes of death and rebirth, and "Summer Cannibals" is no exception.
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CollaborationsThe song featured collaborations with other musicians such as Tom Verlaine of Television and Jay Dee Daugherty of The Church.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Summer Cannibals" was directed by Robert Frank, a notable photographer, and filmmaker.
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Chart PerformanceDespite the album not being a commercial success, "Summer Cannibals" became popular among Patti Smith’s fanbase.
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SongwritingCo-written by Patti Smith and her late husband, Fred Sonic Smith, the song illustrates their long-standing collaboration in music and writing.
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Revival PerformancesAfter a nearly 20-year hiatus, Smith performed "Summer Cannibals" live during her 2015 tour, showing the enduring appeal of the song.
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Critical ReceptionIt received positive reviews from critics, praising Smith's vocal delivery and the song's gritty, driving rhythm.
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Inspirational RoleThe album, including "Summer Cannibals," has been cited as an influence on several indie rock and post-punk revival bands.
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LegacyWhile the song is more than two decades old now, it continues to inspire and connect with fans, sustaining Smith's status as the 'Godmother of punk.'
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Song Meaning"Summer Cannibals" is said to reflect the predatory nature of the music industry, with the cannibals representing those who exploit artists for profit.
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Patti Smith's EvolutionThis song showcases how Smith's poetic lyricism has evolved along with her music, moving from punk anthems to more introspective and personal subjects.
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Album ProductionThe album "Gone Again," including "Summer Cannibals," was produced by Malcolm Burn, a Grammy Award-winning music producer.
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Citation
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