Son of Sam

Elliott Smith

About Son of Sam

"Son of Sam" is a song by American singer-songwriter Elliott Smith. It was released on April 11, 2000 by record label DreamWorks as the second and final single from his fifth studio album, Figure 8.


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Something's happening
Don't speak too soon
I told the boss off, made my move
Got nowhere to go
Son of Sam
Son of the shining path, the clouded mind
The couple killer each and every time

I'm not uncomfortable feeling weird
Lonely leered, options disappeared
But I know what to do
Son of Sam, son of a doctor's touch, a nurse's love
Acting under orders from above

King for a day

Son of Sam
Son of the shining path, the clouded mind
The couple killer running out of time
Shiva opens her arms now
To make sure I don't get too far
I may talk in my sleep tonight
Cos I don't know what I am
I'm a little like you
More like Son of Sam

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Elliott Smith

Steven Paul "Elliott" Smith (August 6, 1969 – October 21, 2003) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. Smith was born in Omaha, Nebraska, raised primarily in Texas, and resided for a significant portion of his life in Portland, Oregon, the area in which he first gained popularity. Smith's primary instrument was the guitar, but he was also proficient with piano, clarinet, bass guitar, drums, and harmonica. Smith had a distinctive vocal style, characterized by his "whispery, spiderweb-thin delivery," and used multi-tracking to create vocal layers, textures, and harmonies. more »

1 fan

Written by: Steven Paul Smith

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Album Classification
"Son of Sam" is one of Elliott Smith's most popular songs, featured on his album "Figure 8," which released in 2000.
Inspiration
It’s speculated that Smith may have drawn inspiration for this song from the infamous criminal David Berkowitz, known as "Son of Sam". However, Smith denied this and stated the song had little to do with the notorious serial killer.
Instrumentation
The song showcases Smith's talent for intricate guitar fingerpicking and features a variety of musical instruments including drums, piano, and electric guitar.
Music Video
The music video for "Son of Sam" involves the rotation of different scenarios, each of which is linked to a string being pulled. It was directed by Autumn de Wilde, who became a frequent collaborator with Smith.
Popular Culture Appearance
The song was used during the opening credits of the documentary “The Devil and Daniel Johnston,” released in 2005. The song was also featured on the soundtracks of several television series and movies including "The Royal Tenenbaums".
Song Writing
The song was written entirely by Smith, illustrating his talents for both songwriting and musicianship. He was known for his introspective lyrics and "Son of Sam" is no exception.
Critical Acclaim
The song received positive reviews from critics, often highlighted for its complexity and poignant lyrics.
Tragic Association
"Son of Sam" is one of the last songs released by Smith before his untimely death in 2003, adding a layer of poignancy to the track.
Musical Style
The song is representative of Smith's shift in musical style from lo-fi indie to more polished pop production, which was more evident in his later works.
Single Release
"Son of Sam" was released as a single and became a popular hit for Smith, reaching a wider audience and strengthening his fanbase.
Album Cover
The background of the “Figure 8” album cover, featuring a wall of graffiti, has become a memorial for fans of Elliott Smith since his demise. The "Son of Sam" lyrics can often be found written on it by fans.
Live Performances
Smith performed "Son of Sam" numerous times in concert, often altering the arrangement for different performances, allowing fans to see different versions of the same song.
Cover Versions
Although Elliott Smith's original version is the most well-known, "Son of Sam" has been covered by numerous artists, proving its enduring appeal.

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    Which of these lyrics is NOT by The Smiths, but by Morrissey?
    A In the days when you were hopelessly poor, I just liked you more
    B Yes, we may be hidden by rags, but we've something they'll never have
    C Send at least one thoughtful letter, my heart goes out to you
    D Why pamper life's complexity, when the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat?

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