recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Only I Can Hear, Only I Can Touch

***Only I Can Hear, Only I Can Touch*** is the fifteenth track on the Body to Body, Job to Job compilation album by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Only I can hear. Only I can touch. Only I can hear. Only I can touch. Say my other name. Say I'll be like you. Send my body around the room. Throw my body around the room. Throw my body around the room until I become like you. Throw my body around the room until I become you.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 36
Sacrificial Cake

***Sacrificial Cake*** is the second studio album by Jarboe. The album has been described by Gira and Jarboe as being an accompaniment to The Great Annihilator by Swans and Drainland by Michael Gira.

## Sacrificial Cake

### Recorded

(Plastikville Studios, East Village, New York)

## Track List

1. "*Lavender Girl*" (4:37)
2. "*Ode to V*" (7:26)
3. "*Shimmer*" (2:16)
4. "*My Buried Child*" (2:11)
5. "*Not Logical*" (5:26)
6. "*Spiral Staircase*" (4:25)
7. "*Yum-Yab*" (2:55)
8. "*Surgical Saviour*" (4:17)
9. "*Caché Toi*" (0:26)
10. "*Tragic Seed*" (2:13)
11. "*Troll Lullaby*" (3:11)
12. "*Deflowered*" (3:41)
13. "*The Body Lover*" (3:37)
14. "*Shimmer*" (3:18)
15. "*Act III*" (1:46)
16. "*Troll*" (8:45)

## Credits

### Musicians

Jarboe – vocals, keyboards, guitar, bass guitar, tape, production

Michael Gira – acoustic guitar (4), mixing, design

Lary Seven – electric guitar, double bass, percussion, engineering

Michael Evans – drums (2, 15, & 16)

### Production & Additional personnel

Chris Griffin – mastering

Berry Kamer – production and recording (4)

Clinton Steele – mixing

Deryk Thomas – painting
In My Garden

***In My Garden*** is the second track on the album Children Of God by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

In my garden, things grow in my garden, things will grow, then they die. Then they fall away, fall away, then they're gone. In my garden, in my garden, we'll never grow old, We'll never grow old. In my garden, where the dew never dries, in my garden, in my garden, these roses, these black orchids are our friends. In my garden, when we breathe, when we breathe this air, we will breathe in these things. We will breathe in these things. In my garden, in my garden, we'll never die. We'll never die, in my garden, in my garden.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 81
The Great Annihilator (Album)

***The Great Annihilator*** is the ninth studio album by Swans. Michael Gira has referred to the album as a companion to his solo album Drainland. The two were remastered and released together in 2017. Jarboe has also described her album Sacrificial Cake as being related to the two albums.

## Track List

1. "*In*" (2:27)
2. "*I Am The Sun*" (3:23)
3. "*She Lives*" (7:00)
4. "*Celebrity Lifestyle*" (4:10)
5. "*Mother/Father*" (4:07)
6. "*Blood Promise*" (4:15)
7. "*Mind/Body/Light/Sound*" (4:52)
8. "*My Buried Child*" (2:58)
9. "*Warm*" (4:54)
10. "*Alcohol The Seed*" (3:29)
11. "*Killing For Company*" (6:55)
12. "*Mother's Milk*" (2:26)
13. "*Where Does A Body End*" (3:42)
14. "*Telepathy*" (6:11)
15. "*The Great Annihilator*" (4:53)
16. "*Out*" (2:24)
17. "*I Am The Sun (Live At The Flesh Club)*" (2002 Reissue Bonus Track) (5:48)

## Credits

Credits adapted from *The Great Annihilator* liner notes.

### Swans

* Michael Gira – vocals, guitars, sounds, art design, production
* Jarboe – vocals, sounds, organ, keyboards
* Bill Rieflin – drums, percussion, sounds, additional sequencing
* Algis Kizys – bass
* Norman Westberg – guitar
* Clinton Steele – guitar

### Additional musicians

* Ted Parsons – drums (3, 4, & 15)
* John Sarfell – piano (9)
* Nicky Skopelitis – guitar (9)

### Technical Personnel

* Martin Atkins – additional mastering, drums (8)
* Martin Bisi – engineering, mixing
* Bryce Goggin – engineering
* Larry Seven – engineering, double bass (16)
* Scott Ramsayer – engineering, additional sequencing
* Fred Breitberg – engineering
* Van Christie – engineering
* Jay O'Rourke – mastering
* Doug Henderson – remastering
* Jim Marcus – additional sequencing
* Mark Falls – layout
* Phil Puleo – artwork

1. ↑ https://younggodrecords.com/products/great-annihilator-2017
Nobody

***Nobody*** is the third track on the album Greed by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

I mean nothing to myself. I mean nothing to myself. I'm nothing. I'm nobody. I hate my body, I'm stuck in myself. I hate my body, I'm stuck in myself. I don't move, I don't think for myself. I don't need my body I'm stuck in myself. I don't need my body I don't need myself. I mean nothing to myself. I'm nothing. I'm nobody. I'm nothing. I'm nobody... Glory! Glory! Glorious! Glorious! Glory!

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 69
We'll Hang For That

***We'll Hang For That*** is the seventh track on the Body to Body, Job to Job compilation by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Eliminate bliss. Eliminate sound. Eliminate freedom. Eliminate this. For that we'll hang. For that we'll hang. The dead will hang. For that we'll hang. For that we'll hang. For that we'll hang.

1. ↑ # Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 36
Clay Man

***Clay Man*** is the fourth track on the album Cop by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Get into this car. Get into this car. Bow your head down. Bow your head down. Your flesh is soft. Your flesh is clay. Flesh is easy to shape... Get into your cell. Get into your bed. Flesh is easy. Flesh is easy. Flesh is easy to shape. Your flesh is soft. Your flesh is clay. Flesh is easy to shape. Flesh is easy to shape: Now you're a Clay Man.

1. ↑ # Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 23
Raping A Slave

***Raping A Slave*** is the second track on the Young God EP by Swans.

## Lyrics

> *\*Written lyrics may differ from song recordings. All lyrics sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira unless stated otherwise.*
>
>

Why be ashamed of hatred? There's nothing wrong with burning. I work hard for everything I own. Everything I own chokes me when I sleep. Why be ashamed of burning? Why be ashamed of burning? You do what you want: Then you cut out your heart. You do what you want: You burn out your heart. You burn out my heart. Then you eat my heart. You cut out your heart. Then you eat your heart. You burn it. Then you eat it. You burn it. Then you eat it. You eat it. You eat it.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 45
When She Breathes

***When She Breathes*** is the tenth track on the album *White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity* by Swans. The 2015 remaster of the album adds the bonus track *Blind* as the tenth track, making *When She Breathes* track 11.

## When She Breathes

### Appearances

White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity, Various Failures

### Length

5:03 (White Light),4:31 (Various Failures)

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

When she comes here, then we'll see. Then well know. Then we'll breathe. In her shadow, the sun was born. In her shadow, a new world will form. When she breathes. When she breathes. When she imagines that she breathes in me... When she breathes, when she thinks it once. In the field, steel grass will grow, and from heaven, she'll rain down the sun, and turn the living into sand. And we breathe her holy air. And we walk this poison place, made from an emptiness, where time was never dreamed by a mind so sad as mine. When she breathes. When she breathes. When she thinks it once. When she breathes in me.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 107
Song For The Sun

***Song For The Sun*** is the eighth track on the album White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity by Swans.

## Song For The Sun

### Appearances

White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity, Forever Burned

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

The sun is rising over the buildings across the street. The sun is God's face looking down at me as he cries for what he's done. I will survive my life if I close my mind to all the things I could never, never, never, be... You used to be there when I'd cry, though you'd not see fit to comfort me. I don't need you anyway, and l'll never call you back to me. But I miss the way your body looked when you lay there naked next to me. But I won't cry, no, I will survive the light of the sun as it enters me. Let it come in. Let the sun come in. Let the sun come in. Let it come in. Let it come on in. Let the sun come in. Let the sun come in. Let it come in… Now they say that hell is a place where memory's dead, and the only thing left is this moment moving further away. But I will always try to remember the way your lips moved against mine in our lonely bed. If I forget who you were then, I will lose what I am now, forever and ever and ever and ever again. But I won't cry, no, I will survive the light of the sun as it enters me. Let it come in. Let the sun come in. Let the sun come in. Let it come in. Let it come on in. Let the sun come in. Let the sun come in. Let it come in.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 107
Time Is Money (Bastard) (Single)

***Time Is Money (Bastard)*** is the first single by Swans. The EP marks the first appearance of Jarboe on a Swans release. Jarboe's first official recording with the band was credited simply with "scream" (specifically at the start of the title track). By the time the track was recorded in the summer of 1985, she had already been in the band for about a month.

## Track List

1. "*Time Is Money (Bastard)*" (5:36)
2. "*Sealed in Skin*" (6:00)
3. "*Time Is Money (Bastard)* (Mix)" (7:04)

## Releases

The EP was included at the end of the 2016 reissue of Greed, with the longer mix in place of the original.

## Personnel

* Michael Gira – vocals, production
* N. Westerg – guitar
* Ronaldo Gonzalez – drums
* H. Crosby – bass guitar
* Jarboe – scream
* Jorgé Estabon – engineering, production assistance
* P. White – sleeve artwork
* M.G. – album cover design
Half Life

***Half Life*** is the first track on the album Cop by Swans.

## Overview

“*Half Life’s*” chromatically descending bassline is similar to that of “*Baby Doll*” by Teenage Jesus and The Jerks, another No Wave band.

## Lyrics

> *\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*
>
>

Permission is bloodless. Ambition is senseless. Don't make a wrong move. Work with a purpose. You win or you lose. Imitate a slave. Don't make a wrong move. Learn from experience. Don't be useless. Waste is obscene. Don't make a wrong move. Learn from experience. Don't make a wrong move. Don't make a wrong move.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 53
Miracle of Love

***Miracle Of Love*** is the ninth track on the album White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

She holds a key to the room down there. And I, I will follow, but I'll never fall in. We'll suffer for nothing, and we'll never forgive. God said to no one to do what he did. One second in your presence is a miracle of love. One second denied is a miracle of love... The young man is weakness in a lover's disguise. The woman is strong in her warm bed of lies. How will they hold what they can never perceive? And how do they love what they fail to deceive? One second in your memory is a miracle of lies. One heartbeat in your body is a miracle of love. White light on a black sky is a miracle from above. One lonely moment in your arms is a miracle of love.

1. ↑ # Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 107
Butcher

***Butcher*** is the seventh track on the album Cop by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Written lyrics may differ from song recordings. All lyrics sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira unless stated otherwise.*

You're too close. I don't recognize your smell. You're in the wrong skin. I don't recognize your face. Your mouth smells strange. Some people want to kill you. Some people want to fuck you. When you say the wrong word, you could be screwing yourself. When you act the wrong way, when you do the wrong thing, you could be screwing yourself. Don't be a whore, now. You could be screwing yourself.

1. ↑ # Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 54
Power And Sacrifice

***Power And Sacrifice*** is the second track on the album White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity by Swans.

## Power And Sacrifice

### Appearances

White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity, Various Failures

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

I want power, because it feels good. I want power: I’ll wash America with blood. I want power: a clear blue light in the sky. I feel power, running through my veins and out my eyes, and into empty, godforsaken minds without reality. I feel power. I feel a sacrifice. I am dead to right or wrong... I want power, just like our father knew. I want power. I'll put my hands in you. I want power, though the earth is lost and spinning. I feel power, buried in the ground where twenty million died like heroes stealing this same power that I'm feeling... I feel power. I feel a sacrifice. Now my blood is feeling clean, and I feel the power burning like a spear inside of me. I feel good. I feel right. I need a sacrifice.
See No More

***See No More*** is the ninth track on the album The Burning World by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

See God's sun go down behind that hill. See God's sons go down that lonely road. See God's sons go down that Godforsaken road, then see us need more. Then see no more. See no more... See us deliver, where other men will fail. See us hold heaven, while others burn in hell. See us, God's sons guarding heaven's gate. Then see our sun go black because we made one mistake. Then see us need more. Then see no more.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 94
You're Not Real, Girl

***You're Not Real, Girl*** is the seventh track on the album Children Of God by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

You never close your eyes, when I am near you. You never say you know me, when I am inside you. Girl you know it's only a feeling. Girl you know you lie and you steal. When you take my trust in your body, nothing inside you is real. Nothing inside you is real. Nothing inside you is real... You are another person, when you are alone. Nothing moves inside you, no one holds you down. Girl you know it's only a feeling, you should never trust what you feel. When you forget your body, nothing inside you is real. Nothing inside you is real. Nothing inside you is real. Nothing inside you is real. You're not real. You're not real.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 82
Gang

***Gang*** is the ninth and final track on the album Filth by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Written lyrics may differ from song recordings. All lyrics sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira unless stated otherwise.*

Cut out the infection. Beat up the violator. Gag him, then screw him down. Hammer the nail, hammer the nail. Knock him down. Murder his influence. Cut off his deception. Rape his memory. Hammer the nail. Hammer the nail. Hammer the nail. Hammer the nail. Hammer the nail. Hammer the nail.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 24
Anything For You

***Anything For You*** is the second track on the album Greed by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Force yourself on me. Force yourself on me. I know where my money comes from. I know where my money comes from. I'll do anything for you. When your hand's in my mouth I'll force it down. When your hand's in my mouth I'll force it down in me. Hold it in. Take it out of me. Hold it in. Take it on me. Hold it in. Take it out. Take it out on me. Take it out on me. Push me, I'll move. Push me, I'll move. I'll do anything for you. I'll do anything for you.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 23
Weakling

***Weakling*** is the eighth track on the album Filth by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Written lyrics may differ from song recordings. All lyrics sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira unless stated otherwise.*

I don't feel pain. I never escape. I'm under the bed. I'm licking the floor. I never dream. This isn't real. Not real. Not real...You know everything. I forget how to breathe. You're touching my chest. When I'm touched I bleed. I never dream. This isn't real. This isn't real.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 24
A Screw (Song)

**A Screw (Holy Money)** is the fourth track on the album Holy Money by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Keep your head on the ground. Push your ass up. Move around. Move around. Cry. Cry. Open your mouth. Here is your money. Open your mouth. This feels good. Here is your money. This is love. Open your mouth. Here is your money. Holy money, holy love. Holy money, holy love. Holy money, holy love. Holy money, holy love.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 70
Get Out

***Get Out*** is the tenth track on the Body to Body, Job to Job compilation album by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Anything for you, anything you want. Anything for you, anything you want. Anything for you, anything you want. Anything for you, anything you want. Get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out, get out! Meat or bone: come out! Meat or bone: come out! Meat or bone: come out! Meat or bone: come out! Meat or bone: come out! Meat or bone: come out! Meat or bone: come out!

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 35
Fool

***Fool*** is the first track on the album Greed by Swans. An alternate version of the track is featured on Greed's twin album Holy Money.

## Fool

### Next Song

Anything For You (Greed) A Screw (Holy Money) (Holy Money)

## Overview

This song marks a notable shift in Swans' sound as this song mostly features piano, an instrument unused by the band until this point.

## Lyrics

*\*Written lyrics may differ from song recordings. All lyrics sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira unless stated otherwise.*

I'll lie down here. I'll lie down here. I'll lie down beside you. I'll lie down beside you. I'll lie to myself. I'll lie to myself. I'll believe in myself. I'll believe in myself. I'll believe in a lie. I'll believe in a lie. I'll believe in a lie. I'll believe in myself... I'll cut off my right hand and stand in your shadow. I'll cut off my right hand and stand in your shadow. I'll lie to myself. I'll lie to myself. Let me go, let me go, let me go, let me go, let me go. Let me go, let me go, let me go, let me go, let me go. I'll crawl all over myself and stand in your shadow. I'll crawl all over myself and stand in your arms. I'll lie to myself. I'll lie to myself.

1. ↑ # Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 69
Greed (Song)

***Greed*** is the fifth and title track on the album Greed by Swans.

## History

The song was originally written as *Mother, My Body Disgusts Me*, but its lyrics were changed by the time it was recorded for Greed. A recording of the original version is included on the Body to Body, Job to Job compilation album. The

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

### Greed

Your body is warm. You're hiding yourself. Nothing will go wrong. You're hiding yourself. Sleep on this bed. Cover yourself. Nothing will go wrong. Protect yourself. Nothing will go wrong. Sleep on this bed. Hold onto yourself. Nothing will go wrong. Nothing will go wrong. Protect yourself. Nothing will go wrong.

### Mother, My Body Disgusts Me

Mother, you disgust me. Feed my greed, Mother. Mother, my body disgusts me. I need my greed. Mother, my sex disgusts me. Mother, your body disgusts me. need my greed, Mother. need your smell. It disgusts me. I need your dirty smell, Mother. I need my greed. I need your dirty hands on me. I need your dirty hands on me. You disgust me. You disgust me. I need your dirty hands. I need my greed. need my dirty hands on me, Mother. I disgust myself.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 36
I Crawled

***I Crawled*** is the first track on the Young God EP by Swans.

*I Crawled* is one of few songs to have several different versions.

### (5:01) (1998)

*(5:01)* by The Body Lovers/The Body Haters features a sample of *I Crawled* from Swans Are Dead throughout most of its length.

### The Seer (intro)/I Crawled (2011)

An early version of the title track for The Seer that finishes with a new, faster rendition of *I Crawled*.

## Lyrics

> *\*Written lyrics may differ from song recordings. All lyrics sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira unless stated otherwise.*
>
>

You're my father. You're my father. I obey you. I obey you. I want you to be my father. I want you to be my father. Eliminate my freedom. You know what I am. You know what I am. I want you to kill me. I'm weak: Take what's mine. I'm weak: Take what's mine. Make me feel good. Make me feel soft. Come into my room. Put your hands on my throat. Now choke me. We'll die. Make me nothing. Make me nothing. Make it right. Be my father. Be my father. Be my father. Think for me. Think for me. Make it right. Make it right. Think for me. Think for me. Put your hands on my throat. Choke me. Choke me. We'll ride. We'll ride. Now ride, Ride.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 45
The Most Unfortunate Lie

***The Most Unfortunate Lie*** is the twelfth and final track on the album *White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity* by Swans. It is the thirteenth track on the 2015 remaster of the album, which adds *Blind*, from Michael Gira's solo album *Drainland*, as the tenth track.

## The Most Unfortunate Lie

### Appearances

White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity, Various Failures

### Length

5:02 (White Light),2:20 (Various Failures)

### Previous Song

Why Are We Alive? (White Light),Blind (Various Failures)

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Someone was here before me, and they took the possibility away. And without any control or freedom, the elements were laid down in this way. And so my mind is slowly devoured, by the ideas to which it subscribes, and in the end I'm left with nothing, except the memory of believing my own lies. And where are you now, my most unfortunate lie?... The light shows my face in the mirror, and my hand as it reaches to touch, the evidence of pain and delusion, and a mind that was never clear enough. I saw the sun rise in an ancient desert, where this moment was first foretold, and the black water was thick as blood, and my hands they were full of gold. And where are you now, the most lethal, all consuming lie I ever told? Where are you now, my unfortunate, irreversible lie?

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 108
Filth

***Filth*** is the debut studio album by Swans and is the band's second release following their self titled EP.

## Filth

### Recorded

April, 1983(Vanguard Studios in NYC, USA)

### Length

36:46 (LP), 61:11 (2015 CD 1), 61:39 (2015 CD 3)

### Label

Neutral (NYC)Zensor (DE) Young God Records

## Track List

1. "*Stay Here*" (5:35)
2. "*Big Strong Boss*" (3:02)
3. "*Blackout*" (3:47)
4. "*Power For Power*" (5:52)
5. "*Freak*" (1:13)
6. "*Right Wrong*" (4:43)
7. "*Thank You*" (3:52)
8. "*Weakling*" (5:20)
9. "*Gang*" (3:18)
10. "*Live at The Kitchen NYC 1982-3*" (24:25) (2015 Remaster Bonus Track)

## Cover

The cover of *Filth* features a stark red, black, and white color scheme that started with the Swans EP. The cover of the album came from drummer Roli Mosimann's girlfriend, a dental assistant, who had spare X-ray photographs.

## Re-releases

Neutral Records again reissued Filth in 2012, but Michael Gira confirmed this to be a bootleg. This release is no different to the initial release. The album was properly reissued in 2015 in a remastered state with two extra discs of bonus material, the first being the previously released Body to Body, Job to Job compilation and the second including unreleased live recordings and the self titled debut EP. This version was marketed as a "a definitive, comprehensive document of Swans during the time period 1982 – 1985".

## 2015 Remaster (Disc 3) Track List

For information on the second disc, see the page for the Body to Body, Job to Job compilation

1. "*Laugh*" (4:09) (From Swans EP)
2. "*Speak*" (4:28) (From Swans EP)
3. "*Take Advantage*" (4:35) (From Swans EP)
4. "*Sensitive Skin*" (6:17) (From Swans EP)
5. "*Living Arms*" (3:26)
6. "*Howling Red Sheet*" (3:40)
7. "*Big Strong Boss*" (2:46)
8. "*Clay Man*" (4:56) (From Cop)
9. "*We'll Hang For That*" (4:38)
10. "*This Is Mine*" (7:02) (From Young God)
11. "*Why Hide*" (8:36) (From Cop)
12. "*I Crawled*" (7:06) (From Young God)

(Tracks 5-9 are live at CBGB in NYC, 1982/83)

(Tracks 10-12 are live at Heaven in London, 1984)

### Swans

* Michael Gira – bass guitar, vocals, lyrics, tapes, production
* Jonathan Kane – drums, percussion
* Roli Mosimann – drums, percussion, tapes, production
* Norman Westberg – guitar
* Harry Crosby – bass guitar

### Additional musicians

* Sonda Andersson – mechanicals
* Sue Hanel – guitar (tracks 5 to 9 on disc 3)
* Daniel Galli-Duani – saxophone (tracks 1 to 4 on disc 3)
* Bob Pezzola – guitar (tracks 1 to 4 on disc 3)

### Technical personnel

* Mark Berry – engineering
* Catherine Ceresole – photography
* Nicolas Ceresole – photography
* Lee Ranaldo – photography
* Paul A. Taylor – layout
* Doug Henderson – mastering
* Greg Curry – engineering (tracks 1 to 4 on disc 3)
* Ray Bardani – engineering (tracks 1 to 4 on disc 3)
* Susan Martin – production (tracks 1 to 4 on disc 3)

1. ↑ https://younggodrecords.com/products/filth
Saved (Song)

***Saved*** is the sixth track on the album The Burning World by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Now l've got nothing to look at, and I've got no pain to deny. And I've got no body to bleed for, and l've got no sun to pull down from the sky. But I'm saved, I'm saved, and I don't understand it, but I'm saved… If Mercy were to hold me closely and hide me in her place of no pain, the angels would throw down the water they cried from one hundred million eyes. And I have a feeling that's growing somewhere behind my sleeping mind. I'm saved. I'm saved. I don't why, but I'm saved... When sunlight falls on your shoulder, you look like a creature from heaven. You're holy when you open your eyes and look up inside the sheltering sky. You're an angel, and I'll never betray you, but i'll always be a lonely child. I'm saved. I'm saved. I don't deserve it, but I'm saved.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 94
Like A Drug (Sha La La La)

***Like A Drug (Sha La La La)*** is the sixth track on the album Children Of God by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Out of our head. Out of our mind. Into your hands. Into your eye. Warm in your mouth. Warm in your mind. Warm in your belly, just like a drug. Sha la la la. Sha la la la... Cool on your tongue, soft in your hands. Down on the floor, red in your mind. Out of our head. Out of our mind. Into our head, just like a drug. Sha la la la. Sha la la la… Hard in your hands. Hard in your mind. Hard in your belly. Hard in your face. Down on the floor, hard in your mind. Into your head, just like a drug. Sha la la la. Sha la la la.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 82
Thug

***Thug*** is the eighth and final track on the album Cop by Swans.

## Lyrics

> *\*Written lyrics may differ from song recordings. All lyrics sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira unless stated otherwise.*
>
>

The only real thing is misery. Submission means you get murdered. You get revenge when you wait for it. Frustrated means you're insane. He's a dead thing under the sheet, causing pain, causing pain. Sex turns impotence into decay. Unconscious repression degrades the real thing. You can't kill a criminal need. When you're polluted with fear you need comfort. You can't kill what you don't see. You can't think what you don't own. You can't rub out what you don't recognize. You don't get what you really deserve. You don't fight if you can't feel it. Obedience pays if you use it right. You degrade yourself when you hide your fear. When you eat your pain you keep your nerves. Use it right or don't feel it. Use it right or don't feel it.

1. ↑ # Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 54
Trust Me

***Trust Me*** is the tenth track on the album Children Of God by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Because I love you, I give you this. Don't be afraid of this. You can trust me now. Though we will deceive ourselves, you can trust me now. You can trust me now. Don't be afraid of this. It's not unusual. It's not unusual. Because I love you, you can trust me now. You cannot trust me now. You will never know, you will never know. You cannot trust me now. Don't be afraid of this. You can trust me now. It's not unusual. You cannot trust me now. You will never know. It's not unusual. You can trust me now. You cannot trust me now. You cannot trust me now.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 83
Drainland

***Drainland*** is the debut solo album by Michael Gira. The album has been described by Gira and Jarboe as being an accompaniment to The Great Annihilator by Swans and Sacrificial Cake by Jarboe.

## Drainland

### Recorded

August, 1994 (Bill Rieflin's living room, Seattle, Washington)

## Track List

1. "*You See Through Me*" (5:41)
2. "*Where Does Your Body Begin?*" (3:04)
3. "*I See Them All Lined Up*" (4:13)
4. "*Unreal*" (4:48)
5. "*Fan Letter*" (7:01)
6. "*Your Naked Body*" (2:30)
7. "*Low Life Form*" (3:41)
8. "*If You...*" (4:41)
9. "*Why I Ate My Wife*" (5:53)
10. "*Blind*" (4:33)

## Credits

* Michael Gira – vocals, electric and acoustic guitar, samples, production, engineering, design, arrangement
* Bill Rieflin – keyboards, electric bass guitar, samples, programming, production, arrangement, engineering
* Jarboe – backing vocals, sounds, keyboards, samples, production, arrangement
* John Yates – layout
* Wim Van De Hulst – photography

Additonal Personnel on "Blind"

* Kristof Hahn - guitars
* Clinton Steele - guitars
* Jenny Wade - bass guitar
* Anton Fier- Drums
Money Is Flesh

***Money Is Flesh*** is the seventh and final track on the album *Greed* by Swans. An alternate version of the song, labelled with "(#2)", is the sixth track on *Holy Money*. The alternate version is composed in 3/4 or waltz time signature, whereas the version on *Greed* is in 4/4.

## Greed version replacement

On the reissues of *Greed*, its respective version of the song was replaced by the version from *Holy Money*.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Money's flesh. Money is flesh in your hand. This money's flesh. This money is flesh in your hand. Money means flesh. Money means flesh in your hand. When you pay, you're a servant. When you pay, you're a servant. You deserve it. You deserve it. You deserve it. You deserve it... Money's easy to get out of your flesh. Money's easy to get out of your flesh. Flesh is easy to get when you work for your money. You deserve it. You deserve it. Money's easy to get out of your flesh. Money's easy to get out of your flesh. Flesh is easy to get when you work for your money. When you get pain, you deserve it. You deserve it. You deserve it. You deserve it.

### Original Lyric

I work for the money. It leaves a stain in my hand. I sweat for the money. It twisted my soul. I know one thing I will never deny: Money made me what I am. Money made me what I am.
Big Strong Boss

***Big Strong Boss*** is the second track on the album Filth by Swans. A live recording of the song from 1982 appears on the third disc of the 2015 remaster of Filth.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Stupid snake. Big strong boss. Break my back. Blood runs black. Cut my throat. Kill me, snake. Do what I say. You're the boss. Cut my throat. Do what I say. Break my back. Kill me, snake. You're the boss. Blood is black. Blood is black. Break my back. Blood is black.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 23
A Screw (Single)

***A Screw*** is the second single by Swans. It was recorded alongside Greed, Time Is Money (Bastard), and Holy Money.

## Track List

1. *"A Screw*" (5:40)
2. *"Blackmail*" (4:42)
3. *"A Screw (Holy Money) (Mix)*" (4:58)

## Credits

* Michael Gira – vocals, samples, sounds, piano, bass
* Norman Westberg – guitar
* Harry Crosby – bass
* Algis Kizys – bass
* Jarboe – vocals, backing vocals, mirage
* Ronaldo Gonzalez – drums
* Ted Parsons – drums
* Ivan Nahem – drums
* Greg Grinnell – trumpet
* Keene Carse – trombone
Blind

***Blind*** is the tenth and final track on the album *Drainland* by Michael Gira. The song was originally recorded during studio sessions for *White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity* by Swans, but it was ultimately omitted from the album upon release. The 2015 remaster of *White Light...* reinstates *Blind* back to the track list as the tenth track.

## Blind

### Artist

SwansInitially released by Michael Gira as a solo artist

### Appearances

Drainland, White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity. Various Failures

### Previous Song

Why I Ate My Wife (Drainland),Miracle of Love (White Light)

### First Live Performance

September 28, 2003 Empty Bottle, Chicago, IL, USA

### Last Live Performance

December 3, 2022 Divadlo Archa, Prague, Czechia

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Now some of us are weak, and some endure. And some people live their life, with a violence that's pure and clean. But I saw a man cry once, down on his knees, in the corner of a darkened cell, and his pain meant nothing to me. But I was younger then, and young men never die. When I walked out in the sun I was strong, clear-minded, and blind... Now don't say a prayer for anyone. It doesn't do any good. Please don't ask me a question. You'll just be misunderstood. And if you could step inside me, you'd feel what hatred brings. And if you saw with my eyes, you'd see what self-deception means. was younger once, and I created a lie. And though my body was strong, I was self-deluded, confident, and blind... Now show some pity for the weak of will, because when we're drinking, we can never be filed. And show some understanding, for the lonely fool, because when I'm drinking I am out of control. Well I was never young, and nothing has transpired. And when I look in the mirror, I feel dead, I feel cold. I am blind.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 108
Better Than You

***Better Than You*** is the first track on the album White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity by Swans.

## Better Than You

### Appearances

White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity, Various Failures

### Previous Song

Trust Me (alt version) (Various Failures)

### Next Song

Power And Sacrifice (White Light) Saved  (Various Failures)

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

I'm so glad I'm better than you. I'm so glad I'm better than you are. I'm so glad I'm better than you. I'm so glad I'm better than you are... Sit here. Now look in the mirror. Something's wrong. Your face is distorted. Feel the flow: there's blood in your body, and you can see clearly every heartbeat you make. Close your eyes. Touch your mouth in the mirror. That's the wound that is made where the past meets the future. I'm so glad I'm better than you. I'm so glad I'm better than you are... And I can see clearly through this veil of reality. And I can remember the feel of your skin. No you never knew me, and you never will. When nothing's there, nothing is concealed. I'm so glad I'm better than you. I'm so glad I'm better than you are. I'm so glad I'm better than you. I'm so glad I'm better than you are.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 105
Public Castration Is A Good Idea

***Public Castration Is A Good Idea*** is the first live album by Swans. The album was recorded during the band's 1986 tour in support of the albums *Greed* and *Holy Money*.

> “... there's no denying the intrinsic entertainment value of having a copy of Public Castration is a Good Idea around the house. The title alone is enough to freak out your parents and roommates; imagine what'll happen if you actually play it for them.” - Pitchfork
>
>

## Public Castration Is A Good Idea

### Recorded

February 13, 1986 - March 27, 1986ICA in London, England (1–6) The Garage in Nottingham, England (7) ULU in London, England (8)

### Label

Some Bizzare Records, Thirsty Ear Recordings

## Track List

1. "*Money Is Flesh*" (From *Greed* and *Holy Money*) (12:06)
2. "*Fool*" (From *Greed* and *Holy Money*) (8:08)
3. "*A Screw*" (From *Holy Money*) (7:27)
4. "*Anything For You*" (From *Greed*) (9:09)
5. "*Coward*" (From *Holy Money*) (8:33)
6. "*A Hanging*" (From *Holy Money*) (12:32)
7. "*Stupid Child*" (From *Greed*) (5:41)
8. "*Another You*" (From *Holy Money*) (10:16)

## Overview

During this period, Swans' main focuses were slow tempos, with most tracks nearly doubling in length, and sheer volume.

## Releases

The album was originally released as a semi-officially approved bootleg through Some Bizzare Records in 1986, consisting of performances recorded from shows in London and Nottingham on the tour for the albums *Greed* and *Holy Money*. In 1999 Thirsty Ear Recordings rereleased the album on CD, mastered from a vinyl source. The live video of the same tour, A Long Slow Screw, was released on VHS and Betamax alongside the CD.

The album would be reissued and remastered on vinyl in the UK in December, 2022 and in the US in March, 2023.

## Personnel

* Michael Gira
* Norman Westberg
* Algis Kizys
* Jarboe
* Ronaldo Gonzalez
* Ted Parsons
* Jack Balchin - sound technician
The River That Runs With Love Won't Run Dry

***The River That Runs With Love Won't Run Dry*** is the first track on the album The Burning World by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

My father, he was born beneath the water. And my mother, she was born to no one's daughter. And I, I was born beneath the dying sun, born from the mouth of a river that won't run dry. The river that runs with love won't run dry... Well I awoke this morning in the blackest night. And a million stars were aching in the sunken sky. And I heard the great machines as they bled and cried. And I saw the end of the world and had no question why... Hold onto the one you love and kiss her before she dies. The river that runs with love won't run dry. And my father made the water when he cried. But the river that runs with love won't run dry. And the sun will burn a hole in a purple sky. But the river that runs with love won't run dry.

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg 93
Why Are We Alive?

***Why Are We Alive?*** is the eleventh track on the album White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity by Swans. It is the twelfth track on the 2015 remaster of the album, which adds Blind, from Michael Gira's solo album Drainland, as the tenth track.

## Why Are We Alive?

### Appearances

White Light From The Mountain Of Infinity, Various Failures

### Length

5:29 (White Light)6:05 (Various Failures)

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Now I'm not a man, and I don't feel love. And I don't see anything, coming down from above. But this world spins slowly, and I see a light, rising up from behind the horizon, up into the clear black sky. But I opn't see you in my line of sight. In fact I can't remember why we are alive. Why are we alive? Why are we alive?

1. ↑ Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 108
Song For Dead Time

***Song For A Dead Time*** is the fourth track on the album White Light From The Mouth Of Infinity by Swans.

## Lyrics

*\*Lyrics are sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira. The written lyrics of some songs may be different from what is recorded.*

Now the past is untrue, and this breath is a lie. And the sun is an emptiness that burns through the sky. And this ground it will slide down, down into the sea. And when this body dies, no man will breathe one word of ignorance for me. So bury your trust beneath the ground with me, and lay your loneliness down for the sun to consume... Now the earth bleeds cold water in my open hands. But their bodies bleed poison, and they swallow the sand. And we'll walk to the river, where we will die of a thirst. And my fate it's no question: Every fool he is broken beneath the same unholy curse. So bury your love beneath the ground with me. And lay your loneliness down for the sun to burn to sand.
Soundtracks For The Blind

***Soundtracks For The Blind*** is the tenth studio album by Swans and the final album before their initial breakup in 1997.

## Soundtracks For The Blind

### Length

72:06 (Silver), 69:31 (Copper), 141:37 (Total)

### Next Album

My Father Will Guide Me Up A Rope To The Sky

## Track List

### (Silver)

1. "*Red Velvet Corridor*" (3:04)
2. "*I Was A Prisoner In Your Skull*" (6:39)
3. "Helpless Child" (15:47)
4. "Live Through Me" (2:32)
5. "Yum-Yab Killers" (5:07)
6. "The Beautiful Days" (7:49)
7. "Volcano" (5:18)
8. "Mellothumb" (2:46)
9. "All Lined Up" (4:48)
10. "Surrogate 2" (1:52)
11. "How They Suffer" (5:52)
12. "Animus" (10:41)

### (Copper)

1. "Red Velvet Wound" (2:02)
2. "The Sound" (13:11)
3. "Her Mouth Is Filled With Honey" (3:19)
4. "Blood Section" (2:39)
5. "Hypogirl" (2:44)
6. "Minus Something" (4:14)
7. "Empathy" (6:45)
8. "I Love You This Much" (7:23)
9. "YRP" (7:47)
10. "Fan's Lament" (1:28)
11. "Secret Friends" (3:08)
12. "The Final Sacrifice" 10:27)
13. "YRP 2" (2:09)
14. "Surrogate Drone" (2:06)
Speak

***Speak*** is the second track on the self-titled debut EP by Swans.

## Lyrics

> *\*Written lyrics may differ from song recordings. All lyrics sourced from The Knot by Michael Gira unless stated otherwise.*
>
>

Inhuman and stupid, the idiot crawls, into a crack, and eats his food - a diet of pain, he completely ignores. Closing his mouth, closing his mind, he talks to himself, and listens. And he says: Speak. Talk to me in my sleep. Talk to me in my sleep. Walk me to the corner and strike a match. Put it on my tongue, and say: Speak!

1. ↑ # Gira, Michael • The Knot: Complete Words for Music, Collected Stories and Journals Pg. 13
Greed (Album)

***Greed*** is the third studio album by Swans. It is the "twin" album to its successor Holy Money.

## Greed

### Recorded

June - August 1985(Intergalactic Studios, NYC)

### Length

37:34 (Greed), 56:28 (CD),78:08 (Greed/Holy Money)

## Track List

1. "*Fool*" (5:23)
2. "*Anything For You*" (4:32)
3. "*Nobody*" (4:49)
4. "*Stupid Child*" (5:19)
5. "*Greed*" (6:17)
6. "*Heaven*" (4:54)
7. "*Money Is Flesh*" (6:20)

## Releases

The first CD issues contained the Time Is Money (Bastard) single as bonus tracks. A later compilation released in 1992, Greed / Holy Money, also added the A Screw EP and an abridged version of *Time Is Money (Bastard)*. This compilation, with its entirely re-organized track list, saw re-issue in 1999 in the double-disc set Cop/Young God/Greed/Holy Money.

## Credits

* Michael Gira – vocals, samples, tape operation, piano, bass guitar, production, album cover design
* Jarboe – backing vocals
* Norman Westberg – guitar
* Harry Crosby – bass guitar
* Ronaldo Gonzalez – drums
* Ted Parsons – drums
* Ivan Nahem – drums
* Estabon – production assistance
* Jorgé Estabon – engineering
* P. White – album cover artwork