Like Antennas to Heaven...

Godspeed You! Black Emperor's song 'Like Antennas to Heaven...' is a haunting and enigmatic piece that delves into unsettling themes through its cryptic lyrics and atmospheric soundscapes. The song opens with a series of disturbing questions about what to do with a baby, followed by equally disturbing answers. The repetition of the lines 'What'll we do with the baby?' and 'That's what we do with the baby-o' creates a chilling, almost ritualistic feel, as if the actions described are part of some dark tradition or folklore.

The lyrics describe actions that are both violent and neglectful, such as wrapping the baby in a tablecloth and throwing it into a hayloft, giving the baby gin, and sticking fingers in the baby's eyes. These actions are juxtaposed with the innocent image of a baby, creating a stark contrast that amplifies the song's unsettling nature. The use of a lullaby-like structure adds to the eerie atmosphere, as lullabies are traditionally meant to soothe and comfort, but here they are twisted into something malevolent.

The latter part of the song shifts to a seemingly unrelated French nursery rhyme about King Dagobert and a monkey named Coco. This sudden change in tone and language adds to the song's surreal and disorienting quality. The nursery rhyme, with its playful and nonsensical lyrics, contrasts sharply with the dark imagery of the earlier verses, creating a sense of unease and confusion. This juxtaposition may suggest themes of innocence corrupted or the thin line between childhood innocence and the darker aspects of human nature.

Godspeed You! Black Emperor is known for their experimental and post-rock style, often incorporating long instrumental passages and field recordings into their music. 'Like Antennas to Heaven...' is no exception, blending unsettling lyrics with atmospheric soundscapes to create a piece that is both haunting and thought-provoking. The song invites listeners to explore the darker corners of the human psyche and question the nature of innocence and violence.