The Meaning Behind The Song: Chip by The Real McKenzies
As a person who frequently listens to music, I am always fascinated by the stories and emotions that artists convey through their songs. One song that has always stood out to me is “Chip” by The Real McKenzies. I remember stumbling upon this song at a friend’s house, and from the moment it started playing, I was captivated by the unique storyline and powerful lyrics.
“Chip” tells the tale of a boatwright named Chip, who worked alongside his father and gran in a boatyard on the River Thames. One day, as Chip was hard at work, the Devil appeared before him, holding a roll of copper and a bucket full of nails. The Devil made Chip an intriguing offer – he would give him the copper and nails, but in return, Chip had to accept a rat and give up his soul.
Chip despised the rat, but the allure of the copper and nails proved to be too difficult to resist. He took them from the Devil, and that’s when his life took a dark turn. Despite his best efforts to get rid of the rat, it continued to torment him, even going as far as biting him in the eye. It seemed as if the river rats had fallen under Satan’s spell, as they followed Chip everywhere, making his life a living hell.
Slowly but surely, Chip lost everything – his mind, his family, and his job. He was left with no choice but to join the King’s Navy in a desperate attempt to escape the rat’s clutches. Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain. The rats chased Chip onto a ship, torturing him until he reached his breaking point. He pleaded with the captain to turn the ship around, but he was thrown into the brig, where he faced an even worse fate.
The Devil rat took control and commanded the other rats to chew through the ship’s planks. The water rushed in, and the ship was ultimately destroyed, crashing upon the rocks as the rats danced around triumphantly.
The lyrics of “Chip” are haunting and vivid, painting a picture of a man who succumbs to temptation and pays a heavy price. The song’s chorus, “A lemon grows a pip, a yard will build a ship, as Satan is my master, I will get you, Chip,” serves as a reminder that actions have consequences and that one must be cautious when making deals with the Devil.
What makes this song even more intriguing is the fact that it is based on a story told by Charles Dickens. The Real McKenzies took inspiration from a spooky tale that Dickens heard from his nanny as a child and turned it into a powerful punk rock anthem.
“Chip” delivers a cautionary message about the dangers of making Faustian bargains and serves as a reminder to stay true to one’s values and not be tempted by fleeting pleasures. The Real McKenzies have brilliantly captured the essence of this dark and eerie tale through their energetic music and thought-provoking lyrics.
In conclusion, “Chip” by The Real McKenzies is a song that not only entertains with its catchy melodies but also offers a deeper meaning. It serves as a cautionary reminder to listeners, urging them to be wary of making deals with the Devil. This song showcases The Real McKenzies’ ability to tell compelling stories through their music and solidifies their status as talented and versatile musicians.
Credits
Written By: The Real McKenzies
Release Date: August 5, 2008
