The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead
XTC
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Let's begin Peter Pumpkinhead came to town Spreading wisdom and cash around Fed the starving and housed the poor Showed the Vatican what gold's for But he made too many enemies Of the people who would keep us on our knees Hooray for Peter Pumpkin Who'll pray for Peter Pumpkinhead? Oh my! Peter Pumpkinhead fooled them all Emptied churches and shopping malls When he spoke, it would raise the roof Peter Pumpkinhead told the truth But he made too many enemies Of the people who would keep us on our knees Hooray for Peter Pumpkin Who'll pray for Peter Pumpkinhead? Oh my! Peter Pumpkinhead put to shame Governments who would slur his name Plots and sex scandals failed outright Peter merely said Any kind of love is alright But he made too many enemies Of the people who would keep us on our knees Hooray for Peter Pumpkin Who'll pray for Peter Pumpkinhead? Peter Pumpkinhead was too good Had him nailed to a chunk of wood He died grinning on live TV Hanging there he looked a lot like you And an awful lot like me! But he made too many enemies Of the people who would keep us on our knees Hooray for Peter Pumpkin Who'll pray for Peter Pumpkinhead? Hooray for Peter Pumpkin Who'll pray for Peter Pumpkin Hooray for Peter Pumpkinhead Oh my oh my oh! Don't it make you want to cry, oh
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10 facts about this song
Song Origins"The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" is a song written by British band XTC for their critically acclaimed 1992 album, "Nonsuch".
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Song ThemeThe song is known for its political themes, often being interpreted as a critique of popular figures thrust into the spotlight, only to be crucified by the public or media.
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Music VideoThe music video for "The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" features British actor Bill Nighy, who portrays Peter Pumpkinhead himself.
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Crash Test Dummies CoverIn 1995, the Canadian band Crash Test Dummies covered the song for the film "Dumb and Dumber". It was released as a single and reached number 4 on the Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.
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XTC's Lead VocalistThe song is sung by XTC's lead vocalist, Andy Partridge. Partridge is also the one who wrote the song.
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The Song's InspirationAccording to Partridge, the song's character, 'Peter Pumpkinhead', was inspired by a pumpkin he carved for Halloween.
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Original Album SuccessThe original album, "Nonsuch", on which "The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" appears, reached number 28 on the UK charts and number 97 on the US charts.
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Song ReceptionThe song is considered one of XTC's most enduring and popular songs and continues to receive airplay, particularly around Halloween.
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Bob Dylan ConnectionSome interpretations of the song suggest it draws parallels between Peter Pumpkinhead and famed singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. Both are seen as figures who received public vilification after once being hailed as cultural heroes.
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Genre"The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead" is characterized as an alternative rock and pop rock song.
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Citation
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"The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1542804/XTC/The+Ballad+of+Peter+Pumpkinhead>.
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