Peter Gabriel – Sledgehammer: Lyrics and Music Video
Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel lyrics and music video. You can sing while listening to the song Sledgehammer performed by Peter Gabriel. Hope you like the music video and song lyrics for Sledgehammer.
About the Song
"Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel is an innovative and funk-infused track that became a defining hit of the 1980s. Released in 1986 as the lead single from his critically acclaimed album So, the song showcases Gabriel’s love for experimentation, blending elements of soul, funk, rock, and world music. With its infectious groove, playful lyrics, and groundbreaking music video, "Sledgehammer" cemented Gabriel's reputation as one of the most creative and influential artists of his time.
Key Details:
- Release Date: April 21, 1986
- Album: So
- Writers: Peter Gabriel
- Producer: Daniel Lanois, Peter Gabriel
- Genre: Funk Rock, Soul, Pop
Themes and Meaning:
Playful and Sensual: The lyrics are filled with playful metaphors and innuendos, emphasizing themes of desire and personal transformation.
Celebration of Life: The song exudes a joyful and vibrant energy, reflecting Gabriel’s appreciation for music and creativity.
Lyrics Overview:
The chorus is unforgettable:
- "I want to be your sledgehammer / Why don't you call my name?"
The verses mix cheeky metaphors with references to transformation and celebration, blending humor and depth.
Musical Style:
Funk and Soul Influences: Gabriel draws inspiration from the sounds of Otis Redding, James Brown, and other soul legends, incorporating horns, groovy basslines, and a rhythmic drive.
Innovative Production: The track features layered textures, world music elements, and a pulsating rhythm that makes it irresistibly danceable.
Commercial Success:
Chart Performance:
- Topped the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Gabriel’s only #1 hit in the U.S.
- Reached the Top 5 in the UK and numerous other countries.
- Won multiple MTV Video Music Awards and a Grammy nomination.
Sales: Certified Platinum in several markets for its massive sales.
Legacy and Reception:
Critical Acclaim: "Sledgehammer" was praised for its innovative sound, infectious energy, and Gabriel’s bold artistic vision.
Fan Favorite: It remains one of Gabriel’s most popular tracks and a staple of his live performances.
Cultural Impact:
Iconic Music Video: The song is perhaps best known for its stop-motion animation music video, which was groundbreaking at the time. Directed by Stephen R. Johnson and featuring animation from Aardman Animations, it won a record nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987.
Enduring Popularity: Its memorable sound and visuals have kept it a part of pop culture, often featured in commercials, movies, and TV shows.
Fun Facts:
World Record Video: The music video holds the record for the most MTV Video Music Awards won by a single video.
Soul Tribute: Gabriel credited the horn section, played by the Memphis Horns, as essential to achieving the track’s soulful vibe.
Album Success: So became one of Gabriel’s most successful albums, with "Sledgehammer" leading the charge.
In Summary:
"Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel is a masterful blend of funk, soul, and pop that became an instant classic in 1986. With its infectious groove, playful lyrics, and an iconic music video, the song remains one of Gabriel’s most celebrated achievements. Its cultural impact, artistic innovation, and lasting appeal make it a quintessential track of the 1980s.
Peter Gabriel: Sledgehammer Lyrics
Tell me how have you been?
You could have a steam train
If you’d just lay down your tracks
You could have an aeroplane flying
If you bring your blue sky back
All you do is call me
I’ll be anything you need
You could have a big dipper
Going up and down, all around the bends
You could have a bumper car, bumping
This amusement never ends
I wanna be your sledgehammer
Why don’t you call my name?
Yeah, oh, let me be your sledgehammer
This will be my testimony
Show me ’round your fruitcage
‘Cause I will be your honey bee
Open up your fruitcage
Where the fruit is as sweet as can be
I wanna be your sledgehammer
Why don’t you call my name?
Yeah, you’d better call the sledgehammer
Put your mind at rest
I’m going to be the sledgehammer
This can be my testimony
Yeah, I’m your sledgehammer
Let there be no doubt about it
(Sledge, sledge)
(Sledgehammer)
I get it right
I kicked the habit (kicked the habit, kicked the habit)
Shed my skin (shed my skin)
This is the new stuff (this is the new stuff)
I go dancing in (we can go dancing in)
Oh, won’t you show for me? (Show for me)
I will show for you (show for you)
Show for me (show for me)
Oh, I will show for you
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I do mean you
(Show for me)
Only you
You been coming through
(Show for you)
I’m gonna build that power
Build, build up that power, hey
(Show for me)
I’ve been feeding the rhythm
I’ve been feeding the rhythm
(Show for you)
Gonna feel that power, hey, build in you
(Show for me)
Yeah, come on, come on, help me do
Come on, come on, help me do
Show for you
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, you
(Show for me)
I’ve been feeding the rhythm
I’ve been feeding the rhythm
(Show for you)
It’s what we’re doing, doing
All day and night
(Show for me)
Come on, come on, help me do
Come on, come on, help me do
(Show for you)
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, you
(Show for me)
I’ve been feeding the rhythm
