Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds - O Children (Live at The Fonda Theatre)

Summary

This script weaves a haunting narrative of a dystopian world where 'cleaners' metaphorically purge and renew, leaving 'broken hearts' behind. It speaks of a lost innocence, with children urged to rejoice in the face of a foreboding future. The 'train to the Kingdom' symbolizes a journey to an uncertain destiny, with the characters caught between hope and despair, as they embark on a ride that hasn't even started yet.

Takeaways

• 🔫 The script mentions a 'lovely little gun', suggesting a dark or ironic undertone to the narrative.
• 🧹 The 'cleaners' symbolize a force that is coming to 'clean up', possibly referring to a metaphorical cleansing or erasure.
• 🚪 The 'knocking on the door' implies an imminent arrival or confrontation that the subject is anticipating.
• 📏 'Measuring the room' and 'knowing the score' could indicate an evaluation or judgment being made by the 'cleaners'.
• 🧼 'Mopping up the butcher's floor' is a vivid metaphor for a clean-up after a violent or chaotic event.
• 💔 'Broken little hearts' evokes a sense of loss, sorrow, or emotional damage experienced by the 'children'.
• 🙏 'Forgive us now' is a plea for absolution, hinting at guilt or regret for past actions.
• 🔑 'Keys to the gulag' might symbolize entrapment or confinement, suggesting a loss of freedom.
• 🎉 'Rejoice, rejoice' is a repeated phrase that contrasts with the darker themes, possibly indicating a bittersweet or ironic celebration.
• 👫 'Frank and poor old Jim' are characters that appear significant, with Jim finding 'the answer that we lost', which might be a crucial revelation or solution.
• 🚂 'The little train' is a recurring motif, symbolizing a journey or transition, possibly to a 'Kingdom' which could represent a final destination or afterlife.
• 🎉 'Having fun' and 'beyond my wildest expectation' juxtapose with the darker elements, creating a sense of surreal or forced optimism.

Q & A

What is the object being referred to as 'lovely little gun' in the script?

The 'lovely little gun' is a metaphorical reference to a tool or instrument that could be used to control or manipulate the situation, possibly indicating a power dynamic or a means to an end.

Who are 'the cleaners' mentioned in the script?

The 'cleaners' could symbolize individuals or forces that come to rectify or cover up a situation, suggesting a cleanup or a resolution process is underway.

What does the phrase 'knock upon your door' imply in the context of the script?

The phrase implies an imminent confrontation or the arrival of an inevitable event, suggesting that the characters are being confronted by their past actions or consequences.

What is the significance of 'mopping up the butcher's floor' in the script?

This phrase metaphorically describes the act of cleaning up after a chaotic or violent event, possibly referring to the aftermath of a metaphorical 'battle' or 'conflict'.

What does the script suggest about the state of the 'broken little hearts'?

The 'broken little hearts' may represent the emotional turmoil or the damaged relationships resulting from the events described in the script.

What is the role of 'Frank and poor old Jim' in the script?

Frank and Jim appear to be characters who are part of the gathering, possibly representing different perspectives or experiences related to the events or revelations in the script.

What is the significance of the 'keys to the gulag' in the script?

The 'keys to the gulag' could symbolize control or authority over a situation that has led to confinement or restriction, possibly referring to the consequences of past actions.

What does 'roundabout' and 'crystal clear' suggest about the answer to 'all your prayers'?

The phrase suggests that the solution or resolution to the prayers or desires of the characters is both elusive ('roundabout') and obvious ('crystal clear'), indicating a complex or paradoxical situation.

What is the 'little train' that goes to the 'Kingdom' in the script?

The 'little train' could be a metaphor for a journey or a path towards a significant destination or outcome, with the 'Kingdom' possibly representing a goal or an ideal state.

Why is the train mentioned as not having left the station yet?

This could imply that the journey or the process has not yet begun, or that the characters are still in the early stages of coming to terms with the situation or the revelations.

What is the emotional tone conveyed by the repeated phrase 'O Children, Lift up your voice, lift up your voice, Children, Rejoice, rejoice'?

The repeated phrase conveys a sense of urgency and a call to action, possibly encouraging the characters or the audience to express themselves and find joy despite the circumstances.