Sulk

About this song

The song was written as a response to the Hungerford massacre in Hungerford, Berkshire, England, on August 19, 1987, in which seventeen people, including the perpetrator, were killed. Its original closing lyrics were changed when it was recorded in late 1994, because Kurt Cobain's death was still on people's minds while the Hungerford killings were not, so listeners would not think it was about the Nirvana leader. The band rarely played it live, performing it only a few times in 1994 and 1995.

What it's about

The song is a reaction to the Hungerford massacre. Its lyrics were altered so that it would not be mistaken for a song about Kurt Cobain.

Fun facts

• Covered once, including “Sulk by Rosie Carney”.
• Written by Ed O’Brien, Philip Selway, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood and Thom Yorke.
• Produced by John Leckie.
• Recorded at The Manor Studio.