Child's Play

Carcass's song 'Child's Play' paints a grim picture of urban decay and the loss of innocence in a desolate, crumbling cityscape. The lyrics describe a childhood spent in a deteriorating environment, where the nursery is made of 'crumbling brick' and 'rusted iron,' and the playground is a 'barren concrete crib.' This imagery sets the stage for a life shaped by harsh surroundings, where even the umbilical cord is likened to 'razor wire,' symbolizing the pain and danger inherent in this upbringing.

The song juxtaposes the innocence of childhood with the brutal reality of the environment. Phrases like 'play hard' and 'playing rough' suggest that the children have adapted to their harsh surroundings by becoming tough and resilient. The repeated line 'after all, it's only a game' underscores a sense of forced normalcy, as if the children must convince themselves that their harsh reality is just a part of growing up. This stark contrast highlights the loss of innocence and the impact of a neglected, decaying urban landscape on the young.

As the song progresses, it shifts focus to the broader implications of urban decay. The 'redevelopment lies in ruins,' and the 'gutted slums' symbolize failed attempts at revitalization. The imagery of 'desolation, darkness, and gloom' paints a bleak picture of the future, where cities become tombs. This serves as a powerful commentary on societal neglect and the cyclical nature of poverty and decay. Carcass uses vivid, unsettling imagery to convey a message about the long-term consequences of urban neglect and the loss of hope in such environments.