Swing Low
Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds · Other Songs - Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Thomas Magee, he swallowed a key
Jedediah, little Thomas Magee
Holly, holly, just let him be
His wise now, little Thomas Magee
Called his kid on the telephone
Heart was beating in my chest
I needed something I could not digest
And the phone kept ringing, there's no one home
Ran to his house, rapped on my window, ooh
Blood was pumping much too fast
I stuck my fingers through the glass
Strange music playing on the radio
Swing low, swing low, swing low, swing low
Way down low and carry me home
Pray like Peter, preach like Paul, Jesus died to save us all
I climbed through the window and crawled on the floor
I wrecked off all the furniture
But I still couldn't found what I was lookin' for
Problems still reclaimed as a whole
Cannot be solved, they must be outgrown
The bottomless knowledge could not be known
The empty ring on the telephone
And the strange music playing on the radio
Swing low, swing low, swing low, swing low
Yeah, way down low and carry me home
Where you go? Where do you go?
Swing low, baby, save my soul
Where do you go? Where do you go?
Yeah, swing low, baby, save my soul
Swing low, swing low, swing low
Swing low, swing low, swing low
Swing low, swing
Swing Low
Swing Low stands as a testament to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' enduring ability to reinterpret traditional material with their signature gothic intensity. The track draws from the rich well of American folk and spiritual traditions, transforming a familiar melody into a haunting exploration of mortality and hope. Cave's baritone delivery anchors the recording, weaving a narrative that feels both timeless and immediate within the band's expansive discography. This work exemplifies the group's skill in blending rock instrumentation with the solemnity of gospel, creating a soundscape that resonates deeply with listeners. As part of their broader catalogue, the song highlights the artist's commitment to exploring themes of faith and redemption through a modern lens, cementing its place as a significant song in their musical legacy.

