Swimming Horses Siouxsie & The Banshees Official Promo Video

[@barryholmes2428]

You could roam the earth for a billion years and you’d struggle to discover anything quite as beautiful as this song

[@atheistleopard618]

this is my second favorite female tune next to Grimes-SoHeavyIfellThroughTheEarth. both are ethereal

[@illmsg77]

Perfect

[@MrDLOC11]

Nobody but Siouxsie can come up with such sonic moments of disturbing, exotic beauty. Her vocals here are fierce, provocative & gorgeous. The jagged rhythm with top bass, piano & guitar precision is extrordinary 👏👏👏👏

[@punkpoetry]

This one was written by Robert Smith (lyrics by Siouxsie) but overall I don't disagree

[@edwardmorris3453]

she was no kate bush.

[@SK-sm9mn]

@@punkpoetry And Robert reworked the piano for The Cure song Six Different Ways

[@bartonted]

Oh Please . Rob Smith. ?? Yeah the piano, but that given. He added to this song, didn't write it yo' fool

[@bartonted]

No she wasn't. And didn't want to be. READ your music history!

[@pandap4ntz]

I just listened to The Cure's "Head on The Door" album, and even tho it's one of my favorite Cure albums, I hadn't listened to it all the way thru in quite a while, and I had somehow forgotten about "Six Different Ways." Idk how one forgets such a wonderful song, but anyways... I couldn't put my finger on why it sounded so familiar, until I read just now that Robert used the piano from "Swimming Horses" for "Six Different Ways." Now it all makes sense.

[@thunder_heads]

Robert wrote the piano part for swimming horses and used that same pattern in 6 different ways too

[@pandap4ntz]

@@thunder_heads Yes, I realize that he wrote it, I didn't mean that he borrowed or stole it from another composer.

[@seanp8220]

and presumably for the glove mr alphabet says

[@jelkel25]

This song still haunts me all these years later, sublime.

[@lornafromlondon]

Me too

[@rasanath]

SIOUXSIE: "This is based on a programme I saw about a female version of Amnesty, called ‘Les Sentinelle’. "They rescue women who are trapped in certain religious climates in the Middle East, religions that view any kind of pre-marital sexual aspersion as punishable by death - either by the hand of the eldest brother in the family, or by public stoning. And there was this instance of a woman whose daughter had developed a tumour, and, of course, gossip abounded that she was pregnant. The doctor who removed the tumour allowed her to take it back to the village to prove that, no, it wasn’t a baby - but they wouldn’t believe her. The woman knew her daughter would have to be stoned to death so she poisoned her, out of kindness, to save her from a worse fate. So the song starts, ‘Kinder than with poison...’ I also used the imagery of, ‘He gives birth to swimming horses’, from the fact that male sea horses give birth to the children, so they’re the only species that have a maternal feel for the young. It was, I suppose, an abstract way of linking it all together without being sensationalist. I remember just being really moved by that programme, and wanting to get the sorrow out of me." Source: Melody Maker 17/10/92.

[@GrantTarredus]

Thank for this!

[@67stickman]

The song is about the honour killings of daughters by the men in their families for 'shaming' them by refusing marry older men. The lyric "kinder with poison" refers to a boy who poisoned his sister rather than let her be stoned to death . Siouxsie makes the comparison with male seahorses who care and look after their young - even changing sex in order to reproduce at need . quite simply years ahead of it's time

[@garysimmonds9636]

Never knew this song was about. The lyrics make sense now. I just thought it was random. Loved SATB since the 70s. Great band.

[@HannibalsBiggestFan]

So basically my friend’s life 😭

[@jurgenreichel]

@@MichealComer69 Maybe not just the same planet...

[@anotherfox7062]

Timeless. Better than the usual crap we have today... This song is innovative and poetic.

[@dominica4799]

I agree plus you couldn't have this song these days. The do gooders would be complaining because of the source material

[@ariescustom]

There's great music being produced today, it's just not on the radio like it used to be. 😉

[@lucamoccafighe7067]

Hyaena is an underrated great record

[@manosduras1]

Same with Superstition

[@marpsr]

The piano part made its way onto Six Different Ways on The Head on the Door.

[@SK-sm9mn]

Very true. By the way, does your B stand for Boris? Just wondered with the Head on the Door reference

[@_m1kl_986]

Her and this song are sooo beautiful!😍

[@M.C.P.]

One of the best SATB song ever... Absolutely love it!

[@SK-sm9mn]

Written by Robert Smith of The Cure.

[@formisfunction1861]

Wild, weird, singular, unique. Very creative and slightly disturbing video. They did some weird shit with the musicians eyes: the men had their eyelids coated with reflective paint, and Siouxsie wore black contacts for the close up. I saw SATB live around this time, happened to see them all up close just a few feet away, just waiting. She was more beautiful than ever. Stunning at close range.

[@The19X]

Who's Still Rocking to this in 2020 .

[@alucan2991]

Me. Lol. I came looking for this at 420 this morning. Had to hear it. Love these vocals and music. Oh shit, it’s 2021! Feels somewhat similar. Lol

[@juliegeorgopoulos8830]

@@alucan2991 haha me too!

[@riwo5904]

2024 😊

[@traci02128]

nope- i was wrong. here is the explanation in siouxsie's word (in an interview in melofy maker) "This is based on a programme I saw about a female version of Amnesty, called 'Les Sentinelles'. They rescue women who are trapped in certain religious climates in the Middle East, religions that view any kind of pre-marital sexual aspersion as punishable by death - either by the hand of the eldest brother in the family, or by public stoning. And there was this instance of a woman whose daughter had developed a tumour, and, of course, gossip abounded that she was pregnant. The doctor who removed the tumour allowed her to take it back to the village to prove that, no, it wasn't a baby - but they wouldn't believe her. The woman knew her daughter would have to be stoned to death so she poisoned her, out of kindness, to save her from a worse fate. Now this organisation has all these escape routes for women like her, mainly through the elder brother who pretends to have killed them. But once they've been saved, they can never go back. So the song starts, "Kinder than with poison..." I also used the imagery of "He gives birth to swimming horses", from the fact that male sea horses give birth to the children, so they're the only species that have a maternal feel for the young. It was, I suppose, an abstract way of linking it all together without being sensationalist. I remember just being really moved by that programme, and wanting to get the sorrow out of me."

[@whatheavensaid]

traci02128 ... Yes, well said. According to what the songwriters have shared, this song is about devolution. It's about a culture that punishes its youth by death if they are suspected of extra-marital sex. Tragically, seahorses in the nearby ocean are kinder parents than these people. This sympathetic song is so beautiful and still makes me cry!!

[@TheTestingGrounds]

No wonder the subject is so intense, yielding such a passionate performance. There aren’t too many groups with such capabilities.

[@facfortiaetpatere4287]

Kind of gels with the lyrics of "Arabian nights" too. I think Siouxsie despised religious doctrines which persecuted women.

[@tjd58]

For so many years this song has fascinated me. The imagery, the melody, the construction of the song being so different to the standard, but never did understand why it got so under my skin. Then I read this interpretation and finally it has brought all the strands together. Just sublime!

[@pandap4ntz]

Knowing the meaning of the song now, makes it even more of an emotional listening experience, it adds a depth to the song that I wasn't aware of prior to.

[@Daniel_Delayne]

No need for big budget when you have Siouxsie 🙌🖤

[@eeblatter]

Such an original arrangement. I love her powerful singing- really unlike her contemporaries. I never knew the story behind it and how heavy it is. One of the greatest.

[@lornafromlondon]

My sister said how many time i'd play this in 1984 and it drove her mad! I was 16 she was 7 poor girl. We lived in a very rough housing estate Acton Vale. Anyway, besides the point, I totally loved this - the way is swayed etc etc .. the arrangement and everything. Years later, the same

[@fabriziopisi7597]

after 40 years i am more and more convinced that this will be my song for my funeral

[@helioswildstar3178]

this is actually my fav all time female song...can never tire of listening to it

[@ricfermi5886]

Undeniably a Robert Smith sound signature! I love it.

[@MrDLOC11]

She's dying of your shame She's maimed by your pain ... From 1:27 - 1:37 emerges Siouxsie the silent -film star, the best part of this exquisite video....

[@flatwoodseuromancer8407]

Always loved this song and the album it's from - this track always reminds me of The Doors circa the 'Strange Days' album, which also clearly influenced 'Ocean Rain' by The Bunnymen. Saw the Banshees several times and they were always amazing.

[@alexiskatsogiannos7468]

This song is a masterpiece!

[@rtrimsrtrims9616]

I was born in 82 and never heard this. It's a banger

[@alucan2991]

A more obscure one of hers and one of my many faves. This reminds me of a very happy time in my life. I really love this song.

[@deejaaywalker2314]

For me this was a frequent go-to song to change up the fast pace of my musical taste in the 80s. It still resonates with a sum that far exceeds the total of its parts. The emotion, the imagery and now the nostalgia... it's exquisite!

[@rckhnt]

i cant scroll down to comment...i love seeing souxsie that much...

[@whatheavensaid]

According to what the songwriters have shared, this song is about devolution. It's about a culture that punishes its youth by death if they are suspected of extra-marital sex. Tragically, seahorses in the nearby ocean are kinder parents than these people. This sympathetic song is so beautiful and still makes me cry!!

[@pandap4ntz]

Interesting, I always wondered exactly what this song was about.

[@nettozu]

This song is about abortion

[@andrewdavidreaks]

My favourite Banshees song.. but i'm a big Cure fan & this sounds like a Cure/Banshees hybrid

[@jackglassonion1]

Andrew Reaks yes it sounds like the guitar sound of the cure because Robert Smith is playing :-)

[@dekariussmall6832]

jackglassonion1 it's the same piano as ”Six Different Ways” by The Cure

[@briarrose29]

Robert Smith was working with them at this time and wrote the piano parts. He used it in his own song “6 different ways”.

[@juveale29]

Great single from an underrated album

[@mustardo420]

fan of siou for 32 years this is the first time im seein rthis video whoa #whoa

[@alucan2991]

Just a couple of years longer and same. Great effin’ song.

[@JassieYemen-jm1ox]

them just standing back there is so funny

[@juliegeorgopoulos8830]

I love this. And when I was younger I went to the local seamstress and asked this top to be made! ❤️ I was in love! And Robert 🥰

[@Somerset-In-The-Blood]

One of my favourite songs by them,even if she hates the video 😊

[@dominica4799]

Shes just so cool with her words

[@drstevie]

Sounds better every year :)

[@teammarsh5657]

Budgie is a criminally underrated drummer

[@jobiemcpartland1868]

I’d forgotten all about this tune love it, love siouxsie so creative.

[@pablomullner6934]

I like everything about this video... Even the big spaghettis hanging in the back of The Banshees! ♥

[@andreachristensen2798]

My favorite Siouxsie song

[@ForWerewolvesOnly]

Beautiful ethereal pioneer.

[@richardp6489]

Susan is Susan. Little Robert Smith does the piano and Steve Severin and Budgie pull the whole thing together. I think that's called a band. No esoteric undercurrents, no flowery words, it's just a really good tune.

[@sushisioux2042]

When you're the only one working on the group project.

[@johnturtle6649]

Kind of a snuff to mr Smith there innit?

[@keithbate9405]

Bought the 12" of this when it came out Great track one of their best !

[@daninusa5297]

Even Robert has to just stand there and watch lol

[@thunder_heads]

He's the embodiment of 👀👀

[@alexandrapascal6697]

The best of the best music of Siouxsie. I love it :D

[@dkstojentin]

What a beautiful human

[@marsbeads]

one of may favorites.

[@paulrichards1798]

Such a great tune

[@marcgoldstein2957]

Goth for Life!!!

[@nibbler3311]

Love this song

[@bluerider451]

here is part of Siouxsie explanation of what this song is about: “ This is based on a programme I saw about a female version of Amnesty, called ‘Les Sentinelles’. They rescue women who are trapped in certain religious climates in the Middle East, religions that view any kind of pre-marital sexual aspersion as punishable by death -

[@atheistleopard2484]

my all-time favorite female tune.

[@SiouxsieSioux-it6iy]

Una de mis mejores canciones

[@jeangomez3947]

adoro la epoca donde Mr Robert Smith contribuye con un Banshees...que sonido mas genial!!!

[@333fn]

It's first time to see this PV. Never on their PV compi. Thanx!

[@solaristicusdamano]

i would guess the lyrics have at least something to do with violence towards women, but there's so much going on in the imagery.....more like channeling some profound truths that couldn't be said couldn't be said explicitly. fantastic.

[@crazycat6132]

You can see Robert in the background thinking , I’m gonna go my own way

[@Allan-et5ig]

A hit or miss artist throughout her career this is a huge 'HIT,' for Ms. Sioux. Truly terrifying video images and musically also great...

[@BlueArcStreaming]

'Take a ride on the tide with the assassin at your side' sounds like Jim Morrison here

[@matthewbeumer3168]

One of their best songs ! Siouxsie deals brilliantly with tragic subject matter . Honour Killing! To clever too subtle for TOTPS crowd but it got there. She hated the video! Matt the Siouxsie fan

[@thetheraine]

I believe Robert Smith from The Cure, who is in the video, also wrote this song... beautiful...

[@casaintegralrengo8913]

belleza...suena a The Glove

[@Angelqueue]

3:00 my fave.

[@undrentide1972]

This video needs an official release...please do it on the forthcoming Banshees back catalogue blitz! Shows Siouxsie had her finger on the pulse back then...both this and Arabian Knights deal with certain aspects of Middle Eastern "culture".

[@seadog92023]

She is so f***ING cool!

[@lacca-acrossthelane]

Amen. 🛐🙏🏻

[@J.X.Sanchez777]

Brilliant

[@therealjammit]

I never knew until this day that Robert Smith helped out on this album. I know they've worked together before.

[@graemereaper]

Was actually a full-time member of the band at this stage, but left afterwards to concentrate on The Cure.

[@manosduras1]

McGeogh had nervous breakdown on stage in Italy and left the band. Smith saved the day again.

[@jamesmckee329]

Yes please

[@blackberrybunny]

Is that Robert Smith in the background?!! I know he had a small part in this song with the piano. But I didn't realize he was in the video!

[@loopy-o7e]

a beautiful song by are punk sister

[@alexandremasip7300]

Desde sempre

[@livevil133]

my top female song, next to **GRIMES-SoHeavy**

[@traci02128]

if i remember correctly, siouxsie was referring to (or at least in part) to female babies that are left to die in some cultures

[@doffo]

@unexplode Oh, wow! Thanks so much for the trivia! :D

[@hahahawiththemusic]

Anyone else think there are parts of the Undertale soundtrack that might have been inspired by this song? Especially "Ruins"

[@nikolazovic6572]

🖤

[@trevorloughlin1492]

Brilliant. Could you edit out edit out the idiot-vision logo?

[@enyzo3nyzo]

Ahhhhhhh

[@Kty27-65]

❤❤❤

[@unexplode]

Apparently Siouxsie had her make-up done for this by someone else and hated it. She reckons she looks orange.

[@juanpabloarena2724]

🖤✨

[@alexiskatsogiannos7468]

This is my go to Banshees song, great lyrics and I really like the video, though I know they didnt so It was excluded from Twice Upon a Time..

[@koont666]

Robert Smith in the background anyone?

[@mustardo420]

yup

[@koont666]

@@mustardo420 saw the cure support the banshees 78 Hammersmith odeon .makes sense.

[@cjcarlson419]

He played on this album after John McGeoch became too ill to stay in the band.

[@thunder_heads]

He was a banshee for ages

[@LaurentJames]

Siouxsie et Robert Smith à cheval sur un hippocampe.

[@cor2250]

❤

[@robertostone9371]

Maravilha.

[@doffo]

Does anybody know why this wasn't included in Twice Upon A Time video collection? Still drives me nuts.

[@russellbreeden223]

This is beyond the sexiest song without being sexy in the video!

[@ffionpearl5893]

Spot Rob Smith anyone?

[@hotPINKxoxo]

Falling in your, falling in your arms Fish on a line, learns to live on dry land Thrown back again to drown Kinder with poison Than pushed down a well - or a face burnt to hell Feel the cruel stones breaking her bones Dead before born Words fall in ruins - but no sound She's dying of your shame - she maimed by your paw He gives birth to swimming horses Fish on a line, walking on dry land But, back in the water to drown we drown Floating in sky He gives birth to swimming horses Take a ride on the tide with the assassin at your side The weightlessness under water -- forgets in slow motion And washes pointless tortures He gives birth to swimming horses Floating in sky like fishes can fly through your arms

[@BertrandDAquitaine]

Please play it on my grave :O

[@katebeck1788]

Siouxie beautiful, Robert makes me think of a cross between scream and hannibal 😂

[@steliokontos1180]

“Fat Boy Smith has nothing to do with the new album except that he plays on it” -Sioux “He’s off making another space opera” -Steve

[@kalevala29]

Can anyone tell me what she's wearing? Is it Persian, Afghan, Saudi? I assume it's inspired (?)

[@neuvocastezero1838]

Is that Michael Meyers and Robert Smith in the background? She's great, but I don't think this video does justice to the song.

[@briarrose29]

It’s definitely Robert Smith. I’m not sure who Mike Myers looks like, unless you mean the Mike Myers that was on SNL. Lol

[@neuvocastezero1838]

@@briarrose29 Ever seen "Halloween"?

[@rachelkintner6511]

I like it...

[@roadrsh7056]

I see Robert Smith

[@thunder_heads]

He was a banshee twice

[@thunder_heads]

2:55 she is trying not to laugh

[@dominiquemessager3008]

ont voit Robert Smith dans le clip.