Tupelo (song)

"Tupelo" is a song written and performed by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, released on their 1985 album The Firstborn Is Dead.

The song is heavily influenced by blues music, particularly the work of John Lee Hooker, and tells a story inspired by the devastating 1936 Tupelo, Mississippi tornado. While not a literal retelling of the event, the lyrics evoke a sense of impending doom, chaos, and destruction, capturing the atmosphere surrounding the natural disaster.

The song features a repetitive, driving rhythm and Cave's distinctive, often theatrical vocal delivery. Its lyrics are fragmented and evocative, using imagery of rain, wind, and a newborn child to build a narrative of tragedy and loss. The repeated chanting of "Tupelo" throughout the song acts as a haunting refrain, anchoring the listener to the central event.

"Tupelo" is often considered a highlight of The Firstborn Is Dead and a significant example of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds' early, blues-influenced work. Its dark and powerful atmosphere has made it a popular and enduring track in their discography.