The Enigmatic Appeal of Murder Ballads: Exploring the Gritty Tradition
Murder ballads, a unique genre that combines sadistic tales with haunting melodies, have captivated audiences for generations. These songs often tell of gruesome crimes, revenge, and the dark side of human nature. Today, we explore some of the most beloved murder ballads and the stories behind them.
Olivia Newton-John and a Musical Downpour
While many murder ballads have remained largely in obscurity, some have managed to find a place in contemporary music. One such example is the band Snakefarm, which produced cool contemporary versions of classic murder ballads. One of their renditions, From My Funeral, has become particularly popular.
Frankie Johnny: An Obscure Classic
One of the earliest and perhaps most famous murder ballads is Frankie Johnny. This song tells the tragic tale of a young woman named Frankie Johnny, who is murdered by her jealous lover. The song's haunting melody and chilling lyrics have made it a staple in the murder ballad genre.
Classic and Contemporary Versions
Olivia Newton-John's performance of Cool Change, from the film Sassy!, is a soothing and memorable take on the genre. However, for a more contemporary twist, bands like Snakefarm have reinterpreted these classic tracks for modern audiences.
Japanese Perspectives on Murder
While many murder ballads have Western roots, others come from Japan. One such example is the beautiful and haunting Urami Bushi, which translates to "Grudge Blues." This song, from the 1973 film Lady Snowblood, stars the renowned actress and singer Meiko Kaji. The film, directed by Toshiya Fujita, tells the story of a female samurai seeking revenge against those who have wronged her.
Quentin Tarantino and Lady Snowblood
Lady Snowblood gained further international recognition when it was featured in Quentin Tarantino's 2003 film, Kill Bill: Vol. 1. The song's inclusion in Tarantino's masterpiece added a cinematic element to the already iconic murder ballad.
Translation of Grudge Blues
Here is a rough translation of Grudge Blues to help you understand its meaning:
My Grudge Blues You're beautiful, you're the flower he praises you.But if you bloom, he will get you scattered.
Stupid. So stupid.
I go so stupid singing my grudge blues. You can accept your pitiful fate.
But when you cry, hell make you cry more.
Women, oh women,
It's women's tears that make my grudge blues. I hate you. Full of regret, never forgiven.
Try to erase my memory, but cannot forget you.
It never ends, never.
It never ends because that's my grudge blues. They say it's a dream, embers of one-sided attachment.
Laughing at you.
So you decide to wake up, but fear to be fully awake.
Women, oh women,
Women's soul beats on my grudge blues. Crimson roses have its sharp thorns.
Don't wanna hurt you, but have to stab you with my thorn.
Burning, it keeps on burning within my grudge blues. No flower would bloom on my dead body.
So I will live along hanging on my grudge.
Women, oh women,
My woman's life belongs to my grudge blues.
Murder Ballads in Western Music
Murder ballads exist not just in Japanese music but also in Western music. Here are a few examples:
Stagger Lee
Stagger Lee, also known as Stag-O-Lee and Stack-O-Lee, has been adapted and reinterpreted by many artists. One notable version is by the legendary Mississippi John Hurt, who plays the song with remarkable skill. The story of this murder ballad revolves around a fight between two men, one of whom shoots and kills the other, leading to a tragic end.
Warren Zevon and Excitable Boy
Warren Zevon's Excitable Boy takes a lighter approach to the murder ballad genre, making murder kind of fun and witty. Zevon's clever wordplay and catchy melody make this a unique addition to the genre.
Tom Waits and Hitchcock
What's He Building In There by Tom Waits is a murder ballad that combines the dark atmosphere of Alfred Hitchcock's films with Waits' distinctive voice and delivery. This song tells the story of a man building something in his basement, which could be anything, but hints at something dangerous and sinister.
Modern Interpretations of Murder Ballads
While the classic murder ballads remain integral to the genre, contemporary artists continue to reinterpret and modernize these stories. For instance, Nicholas Burch, known as Nick Cave, with his band The Bad Seeds, offers a powerful and haunting version with their track O'Malley's Bar.
Some find these modern interpretations distasteful, but for others, they represent a modern take on a timeless genre. The blend of historical and contemporary versions of these ballads keeps the genre relevant and compelling.
Conclusion
Murder ballads, with their dark and often tragic stories, continue to captivate audiences and musicians. From Frankie Johnny to Urami Bushi, and from Stack-O-Lee to Excitable Boy, these songs remain a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre. Whether in Japanese or Western music, murder ballads continue to tell the gritty truths of human nature.