Rusty Cage

Soundgarden

About Rusty Cage

"Rusty Cage" is a song by the American rock band Soundgarden. Written by frontman Chris Cornell, "Rusty Cage" was released in 1992 as the third single from the band's third studio album, Badmotorfinger (1991). The song became an instant hit and was released as a single in several different formats. The song was included on Soundgarden's 1997 greatest hits album, A-Sides and the 2010 compilation album Telephantasm.


Year:
2017
4:45
71 
#2

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

You wired me awake
And hit me with a hand of broken nails
You tied my lead and pulled my chain
To watch my blood begin t boil

But I'm gonna break I'm gonna break my
I'm gonna break my rusty cage and run

Yeah I'm gonna break I'm gonna break my
I'm gonna break my rusty cage and run

Too cold to start a fire
I'm burning diesel burning dinosaur bones
I'll take the river down to still water and ride a pack of dogs

But I'm gonna break I'm gonna break my
I'm gonna break my rusty cage and run

Hit like a Phillips head into my brain
It's gonna be too dark to sleep again
Cutting my teeth on bars and rusty chains
I'm gonna break my rusty cage and run

When the forest burns along the road
Like God's eyes in my headlights
When the dogs are looking for their bones
And it's raining ice picks on your steel shore

I'm gonna break I'm gonna break my
I'm gonna break my rusty cage and run

I'm gonna break I'm gonna break my
I'm gonna break my rusty cage and run

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Soundgarden

Soundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984 by singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Matt Cameron became the band's full-time drummer in 1986, while bassist Ben Shepherd became a permanent replacement for Yamamoto in 1990. more »

8 fans

Written by: Chris Cornell

Lyrics © HIPGNOSIS SONGS GROUP, BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release and Achievements
"Rusty Cage" is a song by the American rock band Soundgarden, featured on their third studio album, Badmotorfinger (1991). The song reached number 48 on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
Chris Cornell
The song was written by the band's frontman, Chris Cornell. Chris Cornell was a well-known figure in the grunge music scene of the 80s and 90s, also known for his work with the bands Audioslave and Temple of the Dog.
Track Usage
Johnny Cash covered "Rusty Cage" in his 1996 album "Unchained", for which he won a Grammy Award. The song was also used as a playable track in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, further expanding its recognition and appeal.
Distinctive Structure
"Rusty Cage" is recognized for its unusual structure. It builds from a slow and ominous opening, into a frenzied, speed-metal-style climax before fading out with a brief folk-style coda.
Lyrics and Inspiration
Cornell himself has explained that the lyrics of "Rusty Cage" are about escaping the constraints and troubles of life, and finding freedom.
Music Video
The music video for "Rusty Cage" was directed by Eric Zimmerman, who also directed the music videos for Badmotorfinger's other two singles, "Outshined" and "Jesus Christ Pose."
Guitar Work
The song is noted for its layered guitar parts and odd time signatures. The riff in the fast section of the tune is played in 19/8 time signature.
Recognition
Rolling Stone magazine included "Rusty Cage" in its list of the "100 Greatest Guitar Songs," highlighting its aggressive dual-guitar assault as particularly notable.
Impact on Other Artists
The song's fast-paced, heavy sound has inspired numerous other bands and artists. For instance, Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins has cited the song as an influence.
Live Performance
Soundgarden performed the song on their appearance on British TV show The Word in 1992, helping to expose the band to a wider audience. Despite the band's dissolution in 2017 following Chris Cornell's death, "Rusty Cage" remains a beloved and influential track in the rock genre.

Discuss the Rusty Cage Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Rusty Cage Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/34254909/Soundgarden/Rusty+Cage>.

    Missing lyrics by Soundgarden?

    Know any other songs by Soundgarden? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Rusty Cage

    15.3M
    108.5K     3,286

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    There once was a ship that put to sea; The name of the ship was the ___________.
    A Billy O' Tea
    B Willy O'Sea
    C Holly O'Pea
    D Silly O'Sea

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Soundgarden's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Soundgarden tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!