Summer Cannibals

Patti Smith

About Summer Cannibals

"Summer Cannibals" is a rock song written by Patti Smith and Fred "Sonic" Smith, and released as a lead single from Patti Smith 1996 album Gone Again. The song derives from a song Fred "Sonic" Smith wrote and played with his pre-Sonic Rendezvous Band, Ascension in September 1973. Ascension included Michael Davis on vocals and John Hefti on bass.


Year:
1996
4:10
68 

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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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Patti Smith

Patricia Lee "Patti" Smith (born December 30, 1946) is an American singer-songwriter, poet and visual artist, who became a highly influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album Horses. more »

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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."
Genre Classification
This song takes influence from various music genres, including rock, punk rock, and art punk.
Album Theme
The album "Gone Again" revolves around themes of death and rebirth, and "Summer Cannibals" is no exception.
Collaborations
The song featured collaborations with other musicians such as Tom Verlaine of Television and Jay Dee Daugherty of The Church.
Music Video
The music video for "Summer Cannibals" was directed by Robert Frank, a notable photographer, and filmmaker.
Chart Performance
Despite the album not being a commercial success, "Summer Cannibals" became popular among Patti Smith’s fanbase.
Songwriting
Co-written by Patti Smith and her late husband, Fred Sonic Smith, the song illustrates their long-standing collaboration in music and writing.
Revival Performances
After a nearly 20-year hiatus, Smith performed "Summer Cannibals" live during her 2015 tour, showing the enduring appeal of the song.
Critical Reception
It received positive reviews from critics, praising Smith's vocal delivery and the song's gritty, driving rhythm.
Inspirational Role
The album, including "Summer Cannibals," has been cited as an influence on several indie rock and post-punk revival bands.
Legacy
While 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.'
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.
Patti Smith's Evolution
This song showcases how Smith's poetic lyricism has evolved along with her music, moving from punk anthems to more introspective and personal subjects.
Album Production
The album "Gone Again," including "Summer Cannibals," was produced by Malcolm Burn, a Grammy Award-winning music producer.

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