The Meaning Behind The Song: In Cold Blood by Alt-J
Introduction
The band Alt-J has gained international recognition for their unique sound and storytelling abilities. Their song “In Cold Blood” is one of their most popular tracks, known for its haunting melody and vivid lyrics. But what inspired this eerie tale? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the meaning behind “In Cold Blood,” exploring its literary references, historical context, and psychological themes.
Table of Contents
The Story Behind the Song
Alt-J’s lead vocalist, Joe Newman, has revealed that “In Cold Blood” was inspired by Truman Capote’s novel of the same name. The book focuses on the brutal murders of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, in 1959. Capote’s writing style, which combines factual reporting with a novelistic narrative, imbues the story with psychological depth and emotional weight.
The song itself tells the story of a murderer on the run, haunted by his past actions. The first verse sets the scene: “Zero one one one zero zero one / SOS from three six five / On the move, icy cold / His veins are pumping diesel.” The use of binary code and radio lingo adds to the sense of urgency and disorientation.
As the song progresses, we learn more about the murderer’s motivations and inner turmoil. The chorus asks, “But you’re in cold blood / Can’t make a man out of mud.” The repetition of “cold blood” emphasizes the killer’s inhumanity and lack of remorse.
The second verse introduces a new character, a witness to the murder: “School bell rings, walk me home / Something in the bushes waiting for me / Someone else is on the phone / Difficult to be, but it’s harder to see.” This verse reflects on the trauma experienced by those who witness and survive violent crimes.
Throughout the song, Alt-J’s haunting harmonies and driving percussion create a sense of foreboding that matches the dark subject matter.
Literary References
Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood is not the only literary reference in Alt-J’s song. The chorus’s line “Can’t make a man out of mud” is a nod to John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. In the novel, the character Lennie Small is frequently referred to as “dumb as mud.”
The verse that mentions “something in the bushes waiting for me” echoes the opening lines of Raymond Carver’s short story “So Much Water So Close to Home.” In that story, a group of men discover a woman’s body while on a fishing trip, but decide to continue fishing rather than report the crime immediately.
By weaving these literary references into their lyrics, Alt-J adds layers of complexity and depth to their storytelling.
Historical Context
The murders that inspired Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood were a shocking example of brutality in mid-20th century America. The Clutter family, who were prominent members of their community and known for their kindness and generosity, were murdered in their own home by two strangers who hoped to find a large sum of money.
The killers, Richard “Dick” Hickock and Perry Smith, were eventually caught, tried, and executed for their crimes. Capote’s book became a bestseller and is often credited with ushering in the era of “true crime” writing.
Alt-J’s song shows how the legacy of these murders continues to haunt American culture. The repeated refrain of “in cold blood” suggests that the crime itself has taken on a life of its own, separate from the individuals involved.
Psychological Themes
One of the strengths of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood is its exploration of the psychology of the killers. The book depicts Dick Hickock and Perry Smith as complex individuals with troubled pasts and deep emotional scars.
Alt-J’s song takes a similar approach, delving into the mind of the murderer. The opening lines suggest a sense of dissociation: “On the move, icy cold / His veins are pumping diesel.” The use of “icy” and “diesel” to describe the killer’s emotions and physical state emphasizes his lack of humanity.
Later in the song, we hear from the witness, who also seems to be struggling with psychological trauma: “Something in the bushes waiting for me / Difficult to be, but it’s harder to see.” This line suggests that the witness is experiencing a kind of dissociation herself, unable to fully process what she has seen.
By exploring these psychological themes, Alt-J adds a layer of nuance and empathy to their portrayal of the crime and its aftermath.
FAQs
Who are Alt-J?
Alt-J is a British indie rock band formed in 2007. The band consists of guitarist/bassist Gwil Sainsbury, drummer Thom Sonny Green, keyboardist Joe Newman, and guitarist/bassist Cameron Knight.
What other songs are Alt-J known for?
Alt-J is best known for their songs “Tesselate,” “Breezeblocks,” “Hunger of the Pine,” and “Left Hand Free.”
What is Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood about?
In Cold Blood is a novel that tells the true story of the brutal murders of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, in 1959. The book focuses on the psychology of the killers and the impact of the crime on the small community.
Why did Alt-J choose to write a song inspired by In Cold Blood?
Lead vocalist Joe Newman has cited the book as a major influence on the band’s sound and lyrical style. The dark subject matter of the book aligns with Alt-J’s brooding, atmospheric sound.
What literary references are present in “In Cold Blood”?
The song references Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, and Raymond Carver’s “So Much Water So Close to Home.”
What is the significance of the line “Can’t make a man out of mud”?
The line is a reference to John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, in which the character Lennie Small is described as “dumb as mud.” The line in Alt-J’s song emphasizes the inhumanity and lack of morality of the killer.
What is dissociation, and how does it relate to “In Cold Blood”?
Dissociation is a psychological phenomenon in which an individual feels disconnected from their thoughts, feelings, or surroundings. In Alt-J’s song, the use of “icy” and “diesel” to describe the killer’s emotional state suggests a sense of dissociation.
What is the impact of witnessing a violent crime, as portrayed in “In Cold Blood”?
The witness in Alt-J’s song seems to be struggling with psychological trauma, as evidenced by the line “Difficult to be, but it’s harder to see.” Witnesses of violent crimes may experience a range of emotions, including fear, anxiety, and guilt.
What role does repetition play in “In Cold Blood”?
The repeated refrain of “in cold blood” emphasizes the inhumanity of the killer and the tragic nature of the crime. The repetition also adds to the song’s hypnotic and eerie quality.
What is the legacy of the Clutter family murders?
The Clutter family murders have been the subject of numerous books, films, and other media. The case is often cited as a turning point in American crime journalism and true crime writing.
What is the meaning behind the name “Alt-J”?
The name “Alt-J” is a reference to the keyboard shortcut for the delta symbol (∆), which is used in mathematical equations to represent change.
What genre of music does Alt-J fall into?
Alt-J is often classified as indie rock, although their music incorporates elements of folk, electronic, and experimental genres.
What is Alt-J’s discography?
Alt-J has released four studio albums: An Awesome Wave (2012), This Is All Yours (2014), Relaxer (2017), and The Dream (2021).
