Dirty Creature

Split Enz

About Dirty Creature

"Dirty Creature is a single from New Zealand art rock group Split Enz's seventh album Time and Tide. It was written by Tim Finn, Nigel Griggs and Neil Finn and released as the forthcoming album's lead single in March 1982. Tim Finn had been suffering from panic attacks at the time, and co-wrote the song as a relief for his condition.


Year:
1983
44 
#2

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Dirty Creature come my way
from the bottom of a big black lake
Shuffles up to my window
making sure I'm awake
S'probably gonna pick my brain
Got me in a vice-like grip
He said one slip, your dead. Ha.

Dirty Creature of habit
Little horror here to stay
Anyone in his right mind
would tell it to go away
but the river of dread runs deep
full of unspeakable things
The creature don't mess around
I don't want to mess with him

I don't want to sail, I don't want to sail
I don't want to, I don't want to sail tonight
Dirty Creature's got me at a disadvantage from the inside.

Tentacles on the brain keep me from falling asleep
I'm rooted to the spot
The beast don't know when to stop
Sneaking up from behind
Binds and gags my wits
Dirty Creature got my head exactly where he wants it

I don't want to sail, I don't want to sail,
I don't want to, I don't want to sail tonight,
Taniwha is waiting for me just below the surface so bright (Yeah)
Even as we speak the Dirty Creature springs a nasty surprise.

Dirty Creature knows my type
Found it in a magazine
He's seen the look of fear before
splattered all over the screen
The animal magnet thug
draws me out of myself
I need a dragon-slayer
who can save me from myself

I don't want to sail, I don't want to sail,
I don't want to set sail for the middle of nowhere tonight
Dirty Creature's got me at a disadvantage from the inside (Yeah)
I don't want to sail upon the waters of invention tonight

[a Taniwha is a New Zealand dragon/sea monster type "dirty creature"]

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Split Enz

Split Enz were one of the most successful New Zealand musical acts of the 1980s. Formed in the early 1970s and variously featuring Phil Judd and brothers Tim Finn and Neil Finn, the band would go on to achieve chart success in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada ‒ most notably with their 1980 single "I Got You" - and build a cult following elsewhere. Their musical style was eclectic, incorporating influences from art rock, vaudeville, swing, punk, rock, new wave, and pop. Split Enz established a reputation for a highly distinctive visual style, thanks partly to their colourful, offbeat costumes and hairstyles. more »

1 fan

Written by: BRIAN TIMOTHY FINN, NIGEL PHILIP GRIGGS, EDWARD RAYNER, NEIL MULLANE FINN

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., MUSHROOM MUSIC PTY LTD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Band Composition
"Dirty Creature" is a song by New Zealand rock band ‘Split Enz’ which, at that time, was composed of brothers Neil and Tim Finn.
Album
The song is from the band's ninth studio album, “Time and Tide,” released in 1982.
Songwriters
"Dirty Creature" was co-written by Tim Finn, Neil Finn, and Nigel Griggs.
Chart Success
The song reached number 6 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart in Australia and number 2 in New Zealand, making it one of the band's most successful singles.
Subject Matter
The song deals with the topic of anxiety and fear, represented by the 'dirty creature' that 'comes to get' the singer.
Performances
"Dirty Creature" has been performed both by ‘Split Enz’ and by Tim Finn as a solo artist in concerts.
Music Video
The music video for "Dirty Creature" features animations and imagery related to the song's theme of overcoming fears and anxieties.
Remarkable Element
One notable element of the song is the use of African rhythms, demonstrating the band’s willingness to experiment with diverse musical styles.
Sustainability
The song has sustained its popularity and has frequently been included in 'Best Of’ compilations of the band's work.
Personal Inspiration
Tim Finn has admitted in interviews that the song was inspired by his personal battles with panic attacks and mental health.
Re-release
"Dirty Creature" was re-released in 2006 as part of the band's "Spellbound" album, a collection of their most popular songs.

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