“Into My Arms” (1997)

The song “Into My Arms” is the first song on, and the first single from, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ critically acclaimed album “The Boatman’s Call.”

Although the song was reportedly inspired by Cave’s break-up with his first wife, it expresses an optimism that transcends any relationship or even any sadness over a failed relationship.

Hope over Despair

Like most of the songs on that album and its follow-up, “Into My Arms” is characterized by its quiet and somber air and its tender and melancholic lyrics. A piano and a bass are the sole instruments played on it.

The stark black ‘n’ white video, with its scenes of people despairing and grieving, is haunting and impressive. Although Cave approved of the video in and of itself, he did not approve of its bleak and depressing spirit, believing that it did not express the “melancholy optimism” of the song.

1 Great Song

Australian music writer Toby Creswell included this song in his 2005 book “1001 Songs: The Great Songs of All Time and the Artists, Stories and Secrets Behind Them.” Moreover, Cave himself has said that “Into My Arms” is one of the songs that he remains most proud of having written. _{(Image source)}

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Nick Cave is an Australian singer / songwriter and author. For over 30 years, he has been the frontman for The Bad Seeds. Prior to that, he led several other bands, most notably the post-punk band The Birthday Party. Over 2006–2013, he fronted a side-project, a garage band of sorts named Grinderman.

Words and Acts

Apart from his music, Cave has published 2 novels and several books of poetry. He has also worked in film – acting, writing screenplays, and composing soundtracks. _{(Image source)}

I don't believe in an interventionist God

But I know, darling, that you do

But if I did I would kneel down and ask Him

Not to intervene when it came to you

Not to touch a hair on your head

To leave you as you are

And if He felt He had to direct you

Then direct you into my arms

Into my arms, O Lord

   [3 x]

Into my arms

And I don't believe in the existence of angels

But looking at you I wonder if that's true

But if I did I would summon them together

And ask them to watch over you

To each burn a candle for you

To make bright and clear your path

And to walk, like Christ, in grace and love

And guide you into my arms

Into my arms, O Lord
   [3 x]

Into my arms

But I believe in love

And I know that you do too

And I believe in some kind of path

That we can walk down, me and you

So, keep your candles burning

And make her journey bright and pure

That she’ll keep returning

Always and evermore

Into my arms, O Lord
   [3 x]

Into my arms

Lyrics by Nick Cave, courtesy of – AZLyrics.com

Reference – Wikipedia

Reference – Wikipedia

Reference – Wikipedia

Into your ears … through 5 channels

The various posts are categorized into 5 channels _{(Right-Click to see details)}

         1 – “Music to Your Ears” (MTYE)

         2 – “Cover Versions”

         3 – “Honor Roll”

         4 – “Documentaries”

         5 – “Mock’n’Roll”