"Jubilee Street" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
"Jubilee Street" is the fourth track and second single from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ fifteenth studio album, Push the Sky Away, released on January 15, 20131. The song was written by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis and produced by Nick Launay1. It stands out as a powerful piece within the band's discography, both for its narrative depth and its musical structure.
Song Overview and Themes
"Jubilee Street" is a narrative-driven song, typical of Nick Cave’s storytelling style. The lyrics center around a character named Bee, a prostitute living on Jubilee Street, and the perspective of her client, who is haunted by guilt and ultimately commits a violent act after impregnating her15711. The song explores themes of love, loss, degradation, and transcendence, with Cave himself describing it as “a little wicked story, but a song about transcendence,” where the protagonist achieves a spiritual state through humiliation and degradation6. The narrative is layered, with references to personal transformation and redemption in the face of moral failure.
The song’s structure is notable for its gradual build-up, starting with a subdued, repetitive guitar motif by Warren Ellis and escalating into a dramatic, cathartic finale49. The lyrics are rich with imagery and emotional weight, culminating in the protagonist’s transformation: “I am transforming, I am vibrating, I am glowing, I am flying. Look at me now”5.
Musical and Lyrical Details
- Genre: Alternative rock1
- Length: 6:35113
- Notable Lyrics: "On Jubilee Street, there was a girl named Bee
She had a history, but she had no past..."
"I am transforming, I am vibrating, I am glowing, I am flying. Look at me now"5
The song’s arrangement is minimal at first, building intensity through layers of strings, subtle percussion, and Cave’s expressive vocals. This crescendo is often highlighted as one of the most cathartic moments in the band’s live performances, where the song takes on new life and emotional resonance4.
Music Video
The official music video for "Jubilee Street" was directed by John Hillcoat and features English actor Ray Winstone as the male protagonist1915. The video is noted for its explicit content and emotional intensity, mirroring the song’s themes of guilt, desire, and transformation. It was nominated for Best Video at the 2013 ARIA Music Awards1. The video visually underscores the song’s narrative, with Cave appearing as a spectral observer to the story’s events9.
Reception and Legacy
"Jubilee Street" is widely regarded as one of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ standout tracks from Push the Sky Away, praised for its storytelling, emotional depth, and musical progression34. Fans and critics alike have highlighted its powerful live renditions, where the song’s climax becomes especially impactful4. The song also holds a special place as a possible “final version of Nick Cave in classic storyteller mode,” marking a shift before Cave’s later, more introspective works7.
Context and References
- The street name "Jubilee Street" is believed to reference a real street in Brighton, UK, where Nick Cave has lived, and the album contains other Brighton references4.
- A companion song, "Finishing Jubilee Street," appears later on the same album, inspired by a dream Cave had after writing "Jubilee Street"1.
Chart Performance
- Peaked at #68 on the Belgian Singles Chart (Flanders)1.
In summary:
"Jubilee Street" is a haunting, narrative-rich song that exemplifies Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ ability to blend storytelling with musical drama. It remains a highlight of their 2013 album and a fan favorite, particularly in live performance457.
