"Feed Me, Seymour!": Song's Meaning & History | Little Shop Of Horrors
Is there a song that can encapsulate the primal desires of a carnivorous plant, the moral dilemmas of a timid florist, and the seductive allure of temptation all in one fell swoop? The answer, without a doubt, is "Feed Me, Seymour," a show-stopping number from the darkly comedic musical, Little Shop of Horrors.
This iconic song, woven into the fabric of the 1986 film adaptation, isn't just a catchy tune; it's a pivotal moment in the narrative, a descent into the murky waters of compromise, and a chilling exploration of human weakness. Penned by the brilliant duo of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, "Feed Me, Seymour" is a masterclass in musical storytelling, seamlessly blending humor, horror, and a touch of the absurd.
The song, primarily a plea from the otherworldly Audrey II a plant with a voracious appetite for human blood to its reluctant caretaker, Seymour Krelborn, lays bare the core conflict of the story. Audrey II, born from extraterrestrial origins, isn't content with mere sunlight and water; it craves sustenance, and its craving is insatiable. "Feed me, Seymour / Feed me all night long / 'Cause if you feed me, Seymour / I can grow up big and strong," the plant croons, its voice both alluring and menacing. This simple yet chilling lyric perfectly captures the plant's manipulative nature and its hunger for power.
The musical, and consequently the film, follows Seymour, a meek and unassuming worker at a failing flower shop located in a less-than-glamorous part of the city. He stumbles upon Audrey II, a peculiar plant with an unearthly appearance. Initially, he nurtures the plant, unaware of its dark secret its need for human blood. As Audrey II grows, so does its demands, pushing Seymour into a series of increasingly desperate acts. The song, "Feed Me, Seymour," becomes the catalyst for Seymour's moral descent, as he grapples with the plant's requests and the consequences of his choices.
The production's visual impact significantly contributes to the song's impact. To bring the various stages of Audrey II to life, the filmmakers employed six animatronic versions of the plant, ranging in size from a mere four inches tall to a towering behemoth, visually representing the plant's insatiable growth. These mechanical marvels, coupled with the talented voice performances, make Audrey II a truly unforgettable character, adding weight to the chilling lyrics.
The musical number isn't just about the plant's hunger; it delves into the complexities of Seymour's character. He is trapped between his moral compass and the plant's promise of fame, fortune, and Audrey's affection. The lyrics highlight his inner conflict, forcing him to confront the darkness within himself. The songs darkly comedic nature perfectly underscores the absurdity of the situation, as Seymour finds himself considering increasingly gruesome solutions to feed his demanding plant.
The song's popularity extends beyond the film's release. It's become a staple in theater circles, frequently performed in various productions and stage adaptations. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless themes: the dangers of greed, the seduction of power, and the importance of maintaining one's integrity. "Feed Me, Seymour" serves as a potent warning, reminding audiences of the slippery slope of moral compromise.
The song's structure and instrumentation contribute to its effectiveness. The music perfectly complements the lyrics, creating an atmosphere of both menace and allure. The plant's booming vocals are countered by Seymour's hesitant responses, creating a dialogue that's both captivating and disturbing. The use of humor, even in the face of such dark subject matter, underscores the musical's satirical edge.
The broader narrative of Little Shop of Horrors is a twisted fairytale of ambition, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power. The story features a cast of memorable characters, including the sweet and slightly naive Audrey, the object of Seymour's affection, and Orin Scrivello, D.D.S., the sadistic dentist who inflicts his own brand of pain on others. These characters serve as a backdrop to the main story of the plants growth.
The film's success lies in its ability to blend genres seamlessly, incorporating elements of musical, comedy, horror, and science fiction. The result is a unique and unforgettable cinematic experience. The original stage production, and the film adaptation, both capture the essence of the story, each bringing something special to the audience.
The impact of "Feed Me, Seymour" also relies on the voice actors who bring the characters to life, such as Bill Remington as Audrey II, Maxx Mann as the voice of Audrey II, and Josh Lamon as Seymour, who bring an excellent touch. Each performance breathes new life into this iconic piece.
The story takes a turn when Seymour is faced with a challenge of ridding the body by burying it. However, the plan is thwarted. After all, Audrey II knows exactly what it wants and it will stop at nothing to get it. The plant's demands that Seymour feed it. As the story progresses, the audience is taken on a journey of humor and shock.
The film also featured the song "Sudden Changes / Feed Me (Git It)," which is a brief interlude. Audrey II convinces Seymour to kill people. This sets up a series of events, including the killing of Orin Scrivello, D.D.S.
"Feed Me, Seymour," is a testament to the power of music to entertain and enlighten. The songs popularity reflects its ability to resonate with audiences, reminding them of the importance of making sound choices.
| Musical Number Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Song Title | Feed Me, Seymour |
| Musical | Little Shop of Horrors |
| Lyricists | Alan Menken and Howard Ashman |
| Featured Characters | Audrey II, Seymour Krelborn |
| Key Themes | Temptation, Moral Compromise, Greed, Carnivorous Desire |
| Film Adaptation | 1986 Film, Little Shop of Horrors |
This table summarizes key details related to the musical number "Feed Me, Seymour" as it is featured in the musical Little Shop of Horrors. It provides core details on the song's title, its origin within the musical, the creators, the characters involved, and central themes. The table also specifies the film adaptation where the song gained wider recognition.
The song's lyrics are a chilling mix of desire and manipulation, as the plant urges Seymour to kill. The line, "Feed me, Seymour, feed me all night long," becomes a sinister mantra, driving the plot forward. The song is more than a piece of musical, it's a reflection of human nature itself.
The success of "Feed Me, Seymour" lies in its ability to resonate with audiences on a deeper level. It reflects the darker sides of human nature, warning of the temptation to seek power and the consequences that come with succumbing to such temptations.
The musical Little Shop of Horrors, and the song "Feed Me, Seymour," continue to captivate audiences. They remind us of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the importance of making sound choices.
