Song written by Kate Bush, released as the lead single of her second album Lionheart on 27 October 1978. The story of the song concerns an actor who gets thrust into the lead role of ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ after the original actor dies in an accident on the film set. He is guilt-ridden ends u...
[Verse 1]
You stood in the bell tower, now you're gone
So who knows all the sights of Notre Dame?
[Pre-Chorus]
They've got the stars for the gallant hearts
I'm no replacement for your part
All I want to do is forget
You, friend
[Chorus]
Hammer Horror, Hammer Horror
Won't leave it alone
The first time in my life, I keep the lights on
To ease my soul
Hammer Horror, Hammer Horror
Won't leave it alone
[Post-Chorus]
I don't know
Is this the right thing to do?
[Verse 2]
Rehearsing in your things, I feel guilty
And retracing all the scenes of your big hit
[Pre-Chorus]
Oh, God, you needed the leading role
It wasn't me who made you go, though
All I want to do is forget
You, friend
[Chorus]
Hammer Horror, Hammer Horror
Won't leave it alone, yeah
The first time in my life, I keep the lights on
To ease my soul (Ooh)
Hammer Horror, Hammer Horror
Won't leave it alone
[Post-Chorus]
I don't know
Is this the right thing to do?
[Instrumental Break]
[Verse 3]
Who calls me from the other side
Of the street?
And who taps me on the shoulder?
I turn around, but you're gone
[Pre-Chorus]
I've got a hunch that you're following
To get your own back on me
All I want to do is forget
You, friend
[Chorus]
Hammer Horror, Hammer Horror
Won't leave it alone, uh-uh
First time in my life, I keep the lights on
To ease my soul (Soul)
Hammer Horror, Hammer Horror
Won't leave it alone
[Post-Chorus]
Don't know
Is this the right thing to do?
Hammer Horror was written by Kate Bush.
Hammer Horror was produced by Andrew Powell & Kate Bush.
Kate Bush released Hammer Horror on Fri Oct 27 1978.
It’s a reference to the film production company Hammer Horror films, it also represents the way the actor the narrator replaced possibly died.