Butcher Babies Unveil Slasher Film-Inspired ‘They’re Coming to Take Me Away’ Video
Butcher Babies are digging way back into the archives for musical inspiration. Originally a campy pop song for Napoleon XIV back in 1966, the updated version of 'They're Coming to Take Me Away" by the band has a darker and more ominous feel while still keeping some of that cheesiness. That mix is reflected well in the newly released video for the song.
The plot of the video is like countless horror films. The band members sit around a backyard campfire, then one of the members goes inside. When he doesn't return, the next guy goes in. Eventually vocalists Heidi Shepherd and Carla Harvey go in together, and you can probably figure out what happens next.
Shepherd says, "As kids, we always loved this creepy, quirky song around Halloween time. So, we thought it would be perfect to ring in the Halloween season with this video reminiscent of old slasher films. Enjoy!"
The song is from the band's 5-track covers EP 'Uncovered.' Each band member selected a song, and Shepherd explains why she chose 'They're Coming to Take Me Away."
"My pick was ‘They’re Coming to Take Me Away’ by Napoleon XIV because I have a vivid memory of my stepdad, who I considered completely insane, playing it over and over again on his car stereo when I was a pre-teen," Shepherd says. "The song is about being taken away to a mental institution. I can still see him tapping his fingers on his steering wheel to the beat…”
Butcher Babies will be playing Knotfest this weekend in San Bernardino, Calif. Right after Christmas they go back on the road, touring with Black Label Society and Hatebreed.