Beatles Zebra Crossing
Shriekback · Other Songs - Shriekback
Upon this bridge of black and white their sacred naked feet have trod
Seers and angels, they saw what no one saw before
And now with closed eyes they walk from shore to shining shore
[Chorus]
But is it still the Beatles' zebra crossing?
Is it still the Beatles' zebra crossing? [Repeat: x3]
And now the faithful come here as pilgrims to a shrine
They walk the stations of the crossing
Their feet are bare their eyes are blind
Friends with cameras click to record the ritual
And back home all around the world the same picture hangs upon their walls
[Chorus]
But history moves mysteriously and nothing stays here for too long
They scorch the zebra from the road and paint a new one further on
But it still means what it meant then and it still looks much like it did
The pilgrims take their pictures still, its guilty secrets they stay hid
[Chorus]
That used to be a warehouse then
And this was all bombed in the war
And here the last wild boar was slain
And there my father met my ma
This was the place where I was born
And in the sixties this was hip
And right through here the Romans came
And this was where it all began
[Chorus]
Beatles zebra crossing [Repeat: x2]
The Beatles zebra crossing
Beatles zebra crossing [Repeat: x5]
Beatles Zebra Crossing
Shriekback's 'Beatles Zebra Crossing' stands as a pivotal track within the artist's discography, blending post-punk intensity with a distinct homage to the Beatles' early sound. Released during a period where Shriekback refined their signature blend of melodic aggression and atmospheric depth, the song captures the raw energy of the era while maintaining the band's unique identity. The recording features a driving rhythm section that mirrors the structural complexity of classic rock, yet it is filtered through Shriekback's characteristic vocal delivery and production choices. This work exemplifies the group's ability to reinterpret iconic influences without losing their own sonic character, serving as a testament to their evolution from experimental noise to polished, emotionally resonant rock. The track remains a defining piece in their catalogue, showcasing the interplay between reverence for musical history and the forward momentum of their own creative vision.

