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Molly Song of the Week? - Shankill Butchers by The Decemberists

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In a continuing series, I have been exploring music that I love, that is also fitting for my young daughter.  I have looked at adult songs that she also loves, kids songs that I don't want to slit my wrist listening to, and as was the case with 'Boy with a Coin', a track that can calm the child down.


Today's selection is an adult track that can calm a child down, and is an excellent lullaby.  However, it has a short shelf life.  I wouldn't recommend playing this beyond three years of age, as it has some dark and possibly nightmare inducing lyrics.  

If you ever tried to locate some lullabies in your music collection, good luck!  Try searching the word lullaby in your collection.  Counting Crow's 'Mrs. Potter's Lullaby' is much too loud, as is the jazz 'Lullaby of Birdland'.  Coltrane's 'Russian Lullaby' will do one better than caffeine.  'Disenchanted Lullaby' from the Foo Fighters might work for Dave Grohl, but won't work on anyone else.   Even 'Lullaby' from Matt Costa (featuring Jack Johnson) is just a tinge too happy!

There are some great lullabies including the excellent 'Lullaby' from The Dixie Chicks, the seemingly traditional 'Coal Mountain Lullaby' from the Low Anthem,  and Dean Martin's version of 'Brahm's Lullaby.'


Most parents are realistic enough to know you need more than three songs.  Some of the best tracks to not include the word lullaby include, Norah Jones 'Nightingale' and Mary Lou Lord's cover of Ween's 'Birthday boy'  and my selection of the week the Decemberists' 'Shankill Butcher's

Shankill Butchers.


The song itself, is beautiful but has a very dark theme.  If you are considering it, please read the lyrics and think about it first.  Truly, the lyrics aren't saying everyone will be harmed by the aforementioned butchers, but only those that don't listen to their mothers.

 The Shankhill Butchers by the Decemberists (non-official video)


From 2006, the Crane Wife
'Shankill Butchers'

 'And everybody knows if you don't
Mind your mother's words
A wicked wind will blow
Your ribbons from your curls
Everybody moan, everybody shake
The Shankill Butchers want to catch you awake'

The Decemberists are currently on tour.  

Enjoy the track!
More to follow with a Featured Artist post in the future!
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Comments

  1. abby mumfordMarch 22, 2011 at 2:18 PM

    the songs with the darkest lyrics seem to be the ones that calm molly down. hmmmm.... :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMarch 22, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    Pink Floyd's "Echoes" always seems to calm me.

    ReplyDelete

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