Shankill Butchers
Sarah Jarosz Lyrics
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The Shankill butchers ride tonight
You better shut your windows tight
They're sharpening their cleavers and their knives
And taking all their whiskey by the pint
'Cause everybody knows
If you don't mind your mother's words
Your ribbons from your curls
Everybody moan, everybody shake,
The Shankill butchers wanna catch you
Awake
They used to be just like me and you
They used to be sweet little boys
But something went horribly askew
Now killing is their only source of joy
'Cause everybody knows...
(Repeat)
The Shankill butchers on the rise
They're waiting till the dead of night
They're picking at their fingers with their knives
And wiping off their cleavers on their thighs
'Cause everybody knows...
(Repeat)
The Shankill butchers wanna catch you
The Shankill butchers wanna cut you
The Shankill butchers wanna catch you
Awake
Awake
Awake
Awake
The song Shankill Butchers by Sarah Jarosz is based on true events that took place in the 1970s in Northern Ireland. The Shankill Butchers was a group of Protestant gang members who were known for their brutal murders of innocent people, mostly Catholics, during the height of the Troubles in Belfast. The song begins with a warning to shut your windows tight to avoid being caught by the Shankill Butchers who are out to kill, and suggests that not listening to your mother's warnings can lead to a dark outcome.
The lyrics then paint a picture of how the Shankill Butchers were once like the average person, "sweet little boys," but something drastically changed in their lives, causing them to become ruthless killers. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the fear that the Shankill Butchers struck into the hearts of the people of Northern Ireland. The line "picking at their fingers with their knives" adds a disturbing level of detail to their twisted behavior. The song ends with a haunting repetition of the line "awake", the implication being that the Shankill Butchers may appear in your dreams as well as reality.
Line by Line Meaning
The Shankill butchers ride tonight
A gang of notorious murderers, called the Shankill Butchers, is going out tonight to kill people.
You better shut your windows tight
It's recommended that you close your windows to prevent the Shankill Butchers from getting in.
They're sharpening their cleavers and their knives
The Shankill Butchers are preparing their weapons for the killings.
And taking all their whiskey by the pint
They are drinking a lot of whiskey to get drunk and numb their feelings.
'Cause everybody knows
It is common knowledge that if you don't listen to your mother, bad things will happen.
If you don't mind your mother's words
If you ignore your mother's advice or warning.
A wicked wind will blow
Some misfortune or trouble will come your way.
Your ribbons from your curls
Your belongings or even your hair may be taken away from you.
Everybody moan, everybody shake
People are scared and trembling with fear.
The Shankill butchers wanna catch you
The murderers are looking for their next victim.
They used to be just like me and you
The killers were once innocent children like everyone else.
They used to be sweet little boys
They were once innocent and harmless young males.
But something went horribly askew
Something terrible happened to them that made them turn into killers.
Now killing is their only source of joy
The only thing that brings them pleasure now is taking someone's life.
The Shankill butchers on the rise
The frequency of these murders is increasing.
They're waiting till the dead of night
They are choosing to kill when it is darkest and hardest to see them.
They're picking at their fingers with their knives
They are playing with their weapons, waiting for the right moment to strike.
And wiping off their cleavers on their thighs
They are cleaning their weapons and getting ready to use them again.
The Shankill butchers wanna cut you
The murderers want to hurt you and take your life.
Awake
Be aware and try to stay alive.
Contributed by Victoria Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@DG-mv6zw
My wife drives through Shankhill on business trips every month. She heard this song and still drives through it...but much quicker! Sarah's cover is by far the best version of this song.
@LUVDATTUNE
Sarah Jarosz is an American treasure who is certain to be around for the next 50-60 years! One of the very best of America's young musical talents. She transcends Country, Bluegrass, Americana, Alt-Country, and Jazz with equal aplomb.
@BeaulieuTodd
LUVDATTUNE narrowed down to a decade. Huh.
@Jim-oe9pt
Amen!!!
@carlosm.devasconcelllos3939
AMEM !
@qk533000
Fame is fleeting! Art is the only true path.
@ukaszwieczorek1621
Sounds like polish surname. Jarosz means someone who does not eat meat.
@rodrigosmithico5950
A beautiful and chilling version of this song, amazing how Sarah's music sounds so full yet is so simple, awesome instrumental and vocal techniques makes all of her music flow so smoothly.
@ghost79ish
I discovered her last night opening for john prine! BEAUTIFUL!
@thomasdagostino3900
Can't stand how much I love your music. Incredible, thank you!