10,000 Maniacs What's The Matter Here (Lyrics)

[kdmdlo]

"And instead of love and the feel of warmth you've given him these cuts and sores that don't heal with time or with age." This is just such a beautifully crafted and absolutely searing line - best of the entire track. No wonder I choke up every single time I've hear this song.

[KevinHenry]

I came here this morning after starting to follow a trial in Muskegon County, Michigan, where a woman there is accused of first degree murder and first degree child abuse. Her 15 year old son died so malnourished and was a prisoner in his own home. Her trial started just a few hours ago and the prosecutor made reference to this song in the course of his opening statements.

As a survivor of child abuse myself, I had to check this song out for myself and it really struck a chord with me. I’m 40 years old and I’d never even heard of this song, much less the band 10, 000 Maniacs, and this song really touched me.

Powerful, truthful and awesome.

[scottiex]

Natalie Merchant is such a compassionate and beautiful person. She did this song trying to wake up the parents and other people around who witness this stuff. I love her!

[Sagemeister]

I heard this back in early 90’s and fell in love with her voice. Natalie combined powerful message coupled with catchy tune and her amazing voice. Love you Natalie Merchant!

[TampaFanatic]

Powerful lyrics. In My Tribe was one of the best albums of 1987!

[kendramiller]

This song is really sad its a tear jerker. 10, 000 maniacs is still one of my favorite bands.

[bigbandpistachio]

I grew up as a kid listening to this song, thinking it was quite jovial (I was only about 7). Now I see the lyrics and know what the song is about, it has a very dark macabre message. Would we dare intervene if we thought a neighbour albeit a child or anyone we deemed vulnerable being abused... Me? Damn right! We ALL have a duty of care to look out for each other.

[chloefletcher]

this makes me cry. this song and Luka by Suzanne Vega are both about abused boys.

[ScottWidener]

There is perhaps no more dichotomous a recording in the history of music recordings. Such catchy, well constructed, well produced music, with such depressing lyrical content. And yes, it can make you cry if you let it.

[SteamKing]

For the many children involved with child abuse this song is for them.
Wish they didn't have such cruel parents.

[ziangnong]

Still one of the most powerful songs ever!

[worldsgreatestimpressionis]

I am so proud Natalie is a fellow Italian with a soul as deep as the depths of despair and a spirit which soars higher than the deepness of eternity

[colleendavies]

My very best friend Wayne, sadly deceased, made a tape of this for me years ago, after he witnessed the harsh behaviour from my Dad ( and mom because she allowed it) toward me. Much time has passed, my Dad too is gone....but man, oh man, what a shimmy shake back into time

[TampaFanatic]

In My Tribe was one of the best albums of 1987, great example of why college rock (soon to be known as alternative and then indie rock) was simply so much better than the top forty or mainstream rock of the '80s.

[desp]

This one, Jeremy, and Luka are songs you shouldn't sing but you can't not sing because they so good!

[chloefletcher]

this song is another reason why I am 100% against spanking and slapping. I endoured it from my dad and my parents are now divorced and I rarely speak to my father anymore and that's fine. he doesn't deserve Xmas or birthday presents for what he did. he loves 10, 00O Maniacs but it has never accrued to him, that he is just like the dad in this song. he scarred me for life. I love my dad's brother and my grandfather (who are nothing like him). It's hard to believe he's related to them. I really think he is to blame for being a huge cause of my depression and insecurity. he told me I wasn't good enough at anything, writing, singing, dancing, cooking, etc. Mom believes in me. that's why she's my best friend, not him. I just thank the Lord I am safe with my mom and sister.

[MellissaBoomeroftheNight]

I used to perform this when 90s coffee houses were a thing. It was really hard to get through, but it was my most well-received song except for Pearl Jam's "Black." That song I'd perform on my Fender, Baby Blue Strat, and got down on my knees near the end, so yeah.

[FriendlyHomie]

What could be the awful crime he could do at such young an age? 
If I'm the only witness to your madness offer me some words to balance out what I see and what I hear 
All these cold and rude things that you do I suppose you do because he belongs to you 
And instead of love, the feel of warmth you've given him these cuts and sores won't heal with time or age

Made me cry so much.
I'll never be like my parents.

[anthonygiachinta]

I am 66 years old and my mom is 90 . When she passes away that will be the day I will be born

[kristinguinn]

This song makes me sad, and then angry. If you are someone that takes your frustrations out on your child- STOP NOW. You don't have the right to abuse anyone, let alone a child! There is nothing a child could do to warrant getting beat on. Seek help, it's never too late to correct your mistakes, your child will love you for it.