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Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds — Idiot Prayer
Album: Boatman's Call
Avg rating:
7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 587









Released: 1997
Length: 4:16
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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They're taking me down, my friend
And as they uskher me off to my end
Will I bid you adieu?
Or will I be seeing you soon?
If what they say around here is true
Then we'll meet again
Me and you

My time is at hand, my dove
They're gunna pass me to that house above
Is Heaven just for victims, dear?
Where only those in pain go?
Well it takes two to tango
We will meet again, my love
I know

If you're in Heaven then you'll forgive me, dear
Because that's what they do up there
If you're in Hell, then what can I say
You probably deserved in anyway
I guess I'm gunna find out any day
For we'll meet again
And there'll be Hell to pay

Your face comes to me from the depths, dear
Your silent mouth mouths, 'Yes", dear
Dark red and big with blood
They're gunna shut me down, my love
They're gunna launch me into the stars
Well, all things come to pass
Glory hallelujah

This prayer is for you, my love
Sent on the wings of a dove
An idiot prayer of empty words
Love, dear, is strictly for the birds
We each get what we deserve
My little snow white dove
Rest assured
Comments (77)add comment
This should be followed with 'Idiot's Revenge' by the Bottle Rockets.
Posted 2 months ago by Jack_Jefferson    [ Reply ]
This album is one of his best. A melancholy beauty. 
Posted 4 months ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
 wifesboyfriend wrote:

For once I can't make the joke "Is this Nick Cave?!" because it actually is.


Is Nick related to Leonard Cohen...by way of anti-depressants or something? 
Posted 9 months ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 dBdwg wrote:

Love this song, dark....




Me too! It's awesome and perfect to this Thursday noon!
Posted 1 year ago by philonair    [ Reply ]
Dreary.
Posted 1 year ago by Dahlia_Gumbo    [ Reply ]
For once I can't make the joke "Is this Nick Cave?!" because it actually is.
Posted 1 year ago by wifesboyfriend    [ Reply ]

A dirge, yes. But a really good one. 

7
Posted 1 year ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
NICE -never heard this on RP after years of listening - glad it was dusted off.
Posted 1 year ago by aspicer    [ Reply ]
This is not music. Ragged. Whiny. Minimal melody. Cramming long strings of words into single beats. So weak.

Posted 14 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
 crockydile wrote:

I assume you're making an offer to perform a service. Does this service come with any kind of warranty? Do you offer any kind of "service agreement" in case the work isn't performed properly the 1st time?

 
It's a 'Do-It-Yourself' job - no warranties are expressed or implied.  But - look on the bright side; we're both here to talk about it!

Posted 14 years ago by suebee3    [ Reply ]
I kinda like the sound of this. A bit like some of Lou Reed's stuff.
Posted 15 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 suebee3 wrote:
ok - this is just bloody horrible - suicide, anyone?  {#Crowded}
 
I assume you're making an offer to perform a service. Does this service come with any kind of warranty? Do you offer any kind of "service agreement" in case the work isn't performed properly the 1st time?

Posted 15 years ago by crockydile    [ Reply ]
 govna wrote:
depending on what kind of mood i'm in, Nick Cave either gets a "1," or a "1."
 
I'm with you - despite others who may disagree.

Posted 15 years ago by casey1024    [ Reply ]
 Stave wrote:

do it
do it
do it
 

Interesting ! 
Posted 15 years ago by suebee3    [ Reply ]
 suebee3 wrote:
ok - this is just bloody horrible - suicide, anyone?  {#Crowded}
 
do it
do it
do it


Posted 15 years ago by Stave    [ Reply ]
ok - this is just bloody horrible - suicide, anyone?  {#Crowded}
Posted 15 years ago by suebee3    [ Reply ]
Love this song, dark....
Posted 15 years ago by dBdwg    [ Reply ]
Hey kids, just take a {#Chillpill} and enjoy the music or, go play outside for a change. {#Sunny}

 - From my office in Beantown.
Posted 15 years ago by brighthue    [ Reply ]
 govna wrote:

pff yeah, bless YOUR heart.

 

... is that the best you can come up with?  Are you 5? God needs to bless more than just your heart, and soon.

Posted 15 years ago by kalkin84    [ Reply ]
 chyk5 wrote:
 
You poor thing. I almost pity you after that lame little tirade. You don't know when to give up, do you? I'll borrow my southern friend's expression when she meets a fool, "Bless your heart."

 
pff yeah, bless YOUR heart.

Posted 15 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
 govna wrote:

yeah hey, guess what?  the JERK store called, and they're running out of SHRIMP!

...no wait...yeah, SHRIMP!!!

  
You poor thing. I almost pity you after that lame little tirade. You don't know when to give up, do you? I'll borrow my southern friend's expression when she meets a fool, "Bless your heart."

Posted 15 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
 chyk5 wrote:


I get it! That was humor, right?
 
yeah hey, guess what?  the JERK store called, and they're running out of SHRIMP!

...no wait...yeah, SHRIMP!!!

Posted 15 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
oppositelock wrote:
First US tour in forever, TUE 9/16/2008 - San Diego, CA - 4th & B
WED 9/17/2008 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl
SAT 9/20/2008 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theatre
MON 9/22/2008 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
TUE 9/23/2008 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo
FRI 9/26/2008 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre
MON 9/29/2008 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre
WED 10/1/2008 - Toronto, ON - Kool Haus
THU 10/2/2008 - Montreal, QC - Metropolis
SAT 10/4/2008- New York, NY- WaMu Theater at MSG
SUN 10/5/2008 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club



I caught the one in San Francisco, and it was amazing. I just wished he'd played a few more songs from this album.
Posted 15 years ago by Stave    [ Reply ]
 govna wrote:
depending on what kind of mood i'm in, Nick Cave either gets a "1," or a "1."
 

I get it! That was humor, right?
Posted 15 years ago by chyk5    [ Reply ]
depending on what kind of mood i'm in, Nick Cave either gets a "1," or a "1."
Posted 15 years ago by govna    [ Reply ]
Love the mordant strings hanging over the background.  Violin?  Viola?  Nice work.
Posted 15 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
Something makes me think he doesn't like her much anymore.
Posted 16 years ago by NoEnzLefttoSplit    [ Reply ]
This song blows.
Posted 16 years ago by tputkey    [ Reply ]
 LowPhreak wrote:
All prayers are for idiots, aren't they?

 

So is this song.
Posted 16 years ago by More_Cowbell    [ Reply ]
All prayers are for idiots, aren't they?
Posted 16 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
First US tour in forever, TUE 9/16/2008 - San Diego, CA - 4th & B WED 9/17/2008 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl SAT 9/20/2008 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theatre MON 9/22/2008 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom TUE 9/23/2008 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo FRI 9/26/2008 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theatre MON 9/29/2008 - Chicago, IL - Riviera Theatre WED 10/1/2008 - Toronto, ON - Kool Haus THU 10/2/2008 - Montreal, QC - Metropolis SAT 10/4/2008- New York, NY- WaMu Theater at MSG SUN 10/5/2008 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
Posted 16 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
lemmoth wrote:
Nick fans out there - help me out - where should I start which record(s)
I'd have to say this one if you're looking to experience his more mellow incarnation. If you're looking for a little more volume I would suggest "Let Love In." On the other hand, if you have a strong stomach, and enjoy horror novels or movies about serial killers, you might want to give "Murder Ballads" a listen. Make sure the kids are out of the room for any of his stuff though.
Posted 16 years ago by ScottyB    [ Reply ]
lemmoth wrote:
Nick fans out there - help me out - where should I start which record(s)
Hard to go wrong. New album out on the 3rd of March. Sounds very good. You can listen here: https://www.myspace.com/nickcaveandthebadseeds Check out "Hold Onto Yourself" Otherwise as far as CD's "Let Love In" is a classic. "Abattoir Blues / The Lyre Of Orpheus" was a critical success. If you want to go very dark try "Murder Ballads". Lighter try "Boatman's Call". One of my favorites is the three CD set "B-Sides And Rarities". "Nocturama" was about the only one I didn't like.
Posted 16 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
Nick fans out there - help me out - where should I start which record(s)
Posted 16 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
On_The_Beach wrote:
I was thinking Richard Thompson.
So was I
Posted 16 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
miahfost wrote:
This might be Nick Cave's best record.
I've always thought that this might have been Nick Cave's WORST record... until he made Nocturama and the following others (as I think that "No more shall we part" is a good record)...
Posted 16 years ago by mapomo    [ Reply ]
This might be Nick Cave's best record. Henry's Dream is brilliant as well, and so is Tender Prey which has "Mercy Seat" on it. But this record is pretty complete, with some great Bad Seeds playing and excellent lyrics. The religious themes abound, coated in Cave's darkness, but some of the pretense is gone. The images are simpler, the sadness more palpable, the plainness of every day misery is clear.
Posted 17 years ago by miahfost    [ Reply ]
Mindscrape wrote:
I feel the same way, though the song is more so mediocre in my opinion. Everyone has a bad one every now and then.
Have to agree. This guy's voice always makes me stop to see who it is, but on this one, it was because the song was dreadful.
Posted 17 years ago by kimschoice    [ Reply ]
sounds to me like a bad hangover..............
Posted 17 years ago by felix_the_man    [ Reply ]
Solid 9er!! Peoples tastes never cease to amaze me. (Not a slam to those who don't enjoy this, just an observation)
Posted 17 years ago by Sunman    [ Reply ]
chasech5 wrote:
I like Nick Cave a lot, but this song is awful.
I feel the same way, though the song is more so mediocre in my opinion. Everyone has a bad one every now and then.
Posted 17 years ago by Mindscrape    [ Reply ]
chathambing wrote:
A little Jim Morrison-like in this song. I likey!
Very Morrisonesque...me likey too.
Posted 17 years ago by moonbat    [ Reply ]
mjaded wrote:
So, its come to this.... I've got to check every time Bill plays A Nick Cave tune so I can hammer back that some of us Love Nick's Voice.
... no hammerin' needed here, i've always dug nick cave an' the bad seeds, wonderful voice for the songs he sings! idiot prayer, superB!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
reedifus wrote:
Here's a voice not made for singing. Not at all, thank you.
So, its come to this.... I've got to check every time Bill plays A Nick Cave tune so I can hammer back that some of us Love Nick's Voice.
Posted 17 years ago by mjaded    [ Reply ]
Here's a voice not made for singing. Not at all, thank you.
Posted 17 years ago by reedifus    [ Reply ]
steeler wrote:
Sounds like he's trying to channel Jim Morrison. And not quite getting there.
I'd take Nick Cave over Jim Morrison any day Heart-felt romantic depression vs heady suicidal self-absorbtion...?
Posted 17 years ago by electronicshaman    [ Reply ]
steeler wrote:
Sounds like he's trying to channel Jim Morrison. And not quite getting there.
I was thinking Richard Thompson.
Posted 17 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
I like Nick Cave a lot, but this song is awful.
Posted 17 years ago by chasech5    [ Reply ]
chathambing wrote:
A little Jim Morrison-like in this song. I likey!
Reminds me of the Moody Blues for some reason.
Posted 17 years ago by El_Penguino    [ Reply ]
Stingray wrote:
Simelar style! Stingray!
Stingray! Bad spelling!
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
Stingray wrote:
Stingray!
hans_gruber!
Posted 17 years ago by hans_gruber    [ Reply ]
Sounds like he's trying to channel Jim Morrison. And not quite getting there.
Posted 17 years ago by steeler    [ Reply ]
I sent this CD to an old flame of mine once as a present...she said that this song made her cry, thinking about times past...
Posted 17 years ago by MM_Prague    [ Reply ]
jadewahoo wrote:
Now this is what I call a real post...Good job messydiner!
Meh. I can write posts as well as messydiner.
Posted 17 years ago by mattt    [ Reply ]
This man has deepened my life. Please share more from all his albums!!! Thanks RP!
Posted 18 years ago by Jemoke222    [ Reply ]
Nick learned from Ed Kuepper? Or vice versa...? Simelar style! Stingray!
Posted 18 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
vandal wrote:
two: mango & durango
How about Django?
Posted 18 years ago by MM_Prague    [ Reply ]
SoundsGoodToMe wrote:
Quick, hurry, what else rhymes with tango?
two: mango & durango
Posted 18 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Dude, just cheer up a little. Please.
Posted 18 years ago by Greenman    [ Reply ]
oppositelock wrote:
Damn, I missed it.
Not this time.
Posted 18 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
blinkblink wrote:
This is great album.
one of his best - but there are just so damn many contenders
Posted 18 years ago by peter75    [ Reply ]
This is great album.
Posted 18 years ago by blinkblink    [ Reply ]
chathambing wrote:
A little Jim Morrison-like in this song. I likey!
Definitely!
Posted 18 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
A little Jim Morrison-like in this song. I likey!
Posted 18 years ago by chathambing    [ Reply ]
Damn, I missed it.
Posted 18 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
Damn, that was a mighty fine song. Long live Nick Cave
Posted 18 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
Quick, hurry, what else rhymes with tango?
Posted 18 years ago by SoundsGoodToMe    [ Reply ]
More Kylie! Seriously, though, Johnny Cash's torch has officially been passed on to this guy...
Posted 18 years ago by MugwumpGeo    [ Reply ]
messydiner wrote:
If you can write songs as well as Nick Cave can, you definately should cut a record. I find that a lot of my favorite songwriters (Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, and Mr. Cave) get ragged on because they "can't sing". While none of them has a great range or amazing voice, they are on key, and I find their voices are very good at representing evoking mood and sentiments of their songs. But the real point is that they aren't making records because they're great singers, they are great poets/songwriters. I love them because I love the poetry of their lyrics. It seems that a lot of people don't care if a song has totally banal lyrics, as long as it's sung well or has a great guitar solo - I'm the opposite, it's all about the lyrics for me. I heard a quote once that stuck with me "If you don't think that Picasso is a great artist it says more about you than it says about Picasso. His greatness is not in dispute."
Now this is what I call a real post. Your mesaage messydiner, speaks to the heart and soul of what makes a song, or performer, worthy of listening. I appreciate the depth, as opposed to so much of the 'this is a pile of steaming crap' or 'oh-my-gawd-this-is-awesome!' comments that are so common on these pages (ahem... which I am certainly guilty of doing myself ) Good job messydiner!
Posted 18 years ago by jadewahoo    [ Reply ]
jgeyer wrote:
Keep delving into Cave's music. There are so many songs that would be great on RP!
Yes!
Posted 18 years ago by oppositelock    [ Reply ]
Posted 18 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
Huecool wrote:
And I thought I couldn't sing... Maybe I should cut a record
If you can write songs as well as Nick Cave can, you definately should cut a record. I find that a lot of my favorite songwriters (Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Tom Waits, and Mr. Cave) get ragged on because they "can't sing". While none of them has a great range or amazing voice, they are on key, and I find their voices are very good at representing evoking mood and sentiments of their songs. But the real point is that they aren't making records because they're great singers, they are great poets/songwriters. I love them because I love the poetry of their lyrics. It seems that a lot of people don't care if a song has totally banal lyrics, as long as it's sung well or has a great guitar solo - I'm the opposite, it's all about the lyrics for me. I heard a quote once that stuck with me "If you don't think that Picasso is a great artist it says more about you than it says about Picasso. His greatness is not in dispute."
Posted 18 years ago by messydiner    [ Reply ]
Huecool wrote:
And I thought I couldn't sing... Maybe I should cut a record
This prayer is for you my love- we each get what we deserve, my love... wise sarcasm is sweeter than wine
Posted 18 years ago by ppak    [ Reply ]
And I thought I couldn't sing... Maybe I should cut a record
Posted 18 years ago by Huecool    [ Reply ]
Keep delving into Cave's music. There are so many songs that would be great on RP!
Posted 18 years ago by jgeyer    [ Reply ]
Woohoo, first to comment! One of my favourite Cave tunes from an absolutely heart-rending, fantastic album. "If you're in heaven then you'll forgive me dear Because that's what they do up there If you're in hell what can I say? You probably deserved it anyway" Classic.
Posted 18 years ago by kult    [ Reply ]