Cut him up, boy
You've got to cut him up, boy
He's a wicked disgrace
And he said it to your face
You better cut him up boy

You take by the teeth
Get him down on his knees
With your hands all shaking
That'll teach him how to take it
Gotta cut him up, boy and how

Ply her heart with gold and silver
And take your sweetheart down to the river

Dash her on the paving stones
It may break your heart to break her bones
But someone's got to do the culling of the fold, oh oh

Cut him up, girl
Really cut him up girl
He lives by himself
In a hole in a wall
You've got to cut him up, girl

You can take him in a stitch
Dump his body in a ditch
Leave his limbs all naked
That'll teach him how to take it
Better cut him up girl and how

Ply her heart with gold and silver
Take your sweetheart down to the river

Dash her on the paving stones
It may break your heart to break her bones
But someone's got to do the culling of the fold, oh oh

Listen up boy
And listen up girl
It's a shallow little trench
And it's giving off a stench
It's a shallow little world

Feeling down in the face
Could you use a little space?
When the radio crackles
And the in-laws cackle

Better cut him up. boy
And cut him up, girl

Ply her heart with gold and silver
And take your sweetheart down to the river

Dash her on the paving stones
It may break your heart to break her bones
But someone's got to do the culling of the fold
Oh, the culling of the fold


Lyrics submitted by SheepNutz

Culling of the Fold Lyrics as written by Colin Meloy

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Culling of the Fold song meanings
Add Your Thoughts

25 Comments

sort form View by:
  • +2
    General Comment

    I think this is a song about how prejudice and socially-imposed ideas hurt human relationships.

    "It may break your heart to break her bones But someone's got to do the culling of the fold"

    So... your feelings towards her are of love. But you hurt her because you KNOW you have to, she doesn't fit some social criteria; (like "strenght"). But still that hurts you both - and all that for an idea. So feelings should be above rules and principles. Also, no one is entitled to decide who is worthy of life and who isn't.

    Cut him up, girl Really cut him up, girl He lives by himself In a hole in a wall You got to cut him up, girl

    You can take him in a stitch Dump his body in a ditch Leave his limbs all naked That'll teach him how to take it

    = intolerance?

    I don't know how much sense I'm making here, but I just get a lot of sarcasm out of this song.

    CynicalTruthon April 09, 2009   Link

Add your thoughts

Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.

Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!

More Featured Meanings

Album art
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Album art
Son Şansın - Şarkı Sözleri
Hayalperest
This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere. In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Album art
Cajun Girl
Little Feat
Overall about difficult moments of disappointment and vulnerability. Having hope and longing, while remaining optimistic for the future. Encourages the belief that with each new morning there is a chance for things to improve. The chorus offers a glimmer of optimism and a chance at a resolution and redemption in the future. Captures the rollercoaster of emotions of feeling lost while loving someone who is not there for you, feeling let down and abandoned while waiting for a lover. Lost with no direction, "Now I'm up in the air with the rain in my hair, Nowhere to go, I can go anywhere" The bridge shows signs of longing and a plea for companionship. The Lyrics express a desire for authentic connection and the importance of Loving someone just as they are. "Just in passing, I'm not asking. That you be anyone but you”
Album art
Blue
Ed Sheeran
“Blue” is a song about a love that is persisting in the discomfort of the person experiencing the emotion. Ed Sheeran reflects on love lost, and although he wishes his former partner find happiness, he cannot but admit his feelings are still very much there. He expresses the realization that he might never find another on this stringed instrumental by Aaron Dessner.
Album art
Head > Heels
Ed Sheeran
“Head > Heels” is a track that aims to capture what it feels like to experience romance that exceeds expectations. Ed Sheeran dedicates his album outro to a lover who has blessed him with a unique experience that he seeks to describe through the song’s nuanced lyrics.