Across This Antheap
XTC · Oranges & Lemons [1989]
Nurses, queens and drones
Wish they'd leave my head tonight
Let me rest my bones
A billion feet sound just like a billion drums
A bed is creaking as the messiah comes
The cars are crashing and the bacon is hacked
The coffin's lowered and the lunches get packed
Still segregating 'cause we insects are too proud
Doesn't matter what colour of cat you are there's no dogs allowed
And the screaming sky won't let me sleep
The stars are laughing at us
As we crawl on and on across this antheap
War planes go over but no wages go 'round
A sign goes up to say hey we're twin towned
The dough is rising but no bread will be baked
The fur is genuine but the orgasm's faked
We're spending millions to learn to speak porpoise
When human loneliness is still a deafening noise
And the screaming sky won't let me sleep
The stars are laughing at us
As we crawl on and on across this antheap
Soldiers, workers, slaves and farmers
Nurses, queens and drones
Wish they'd leave my head tonight
And let me rest my bones
And all the world's babies are crying still
While all the police cars harmonize with power drills
As jets and kettles form a chord with screeching gulls
Accompanied by truncheons keeping time on human skulls
And the screaming sky won't let me sleep
The stars are laughing at us
As we crawl on and on past lovers who'll leap
On and on past widows who'll weep
On and on no more than skin deep
On and on across this antheap
On and on, on and on
On and on, on and on
On and on, on and on
On and on, on and on
On and on, on and on
On and on
Across This Antheap
Across This Antheap stands as a distinctive song in XTC's eclectic discography, appearing on their 1989 album Oranges & Lemons. During this period, the band was known for blending art-rock sensibilities with intricate pop structures, often exploring surreal themes and complex arrangements. This track exemplifies the group's willingness to experiment with unconventional phrasing and atmospheric textures that defined their later work. The song reflects the band's mature songwriting style, moving away from straightforward melodies toward more layered compositions. As part of an album celebrated for its conceptual depth and sonic variety, the recording showcases the duo's ability to craft intimate yet expansive soundscapes. It remains a notable piece for listeners interested in the evolution of British alternative rock and the specific creative output of the late 1980s.