"Cannonball" is the breakout single from The Breeders’ 1993 album Last Splash, and remains their most iconic and enduring song12. Written by Kim Deal, the track is a landmark of 1990s alternative rock, celebrated for its playful experimentation, infectious hooks, and subversive lyrics.
Background and Inspiration
- Origins: Kim Deal wrote "Cannonball" after forming The Breeders as a creative outlet apart from her role in the Pixies32. The song was inspired in part by Deal’s playful mockery of the Marquis de Sade, with Deal explaining: “I’m making fun of him. I’m saying: ‘Oh, you little libertine! ... if you wanna go to hell… Come on! Let’s go to hell! Don’t just jump in… do a cannonball! And you know what? I’m gonna be right behind you…I’m gonna be the last fuckin’ splash. It’s a commitment to hell, I guess”31. The song’s quirky energy also drew inspiration from the Oompa Loompas in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory3.
Musical Style and Structure
- Sound: "Cannonball" merges alternative rock, pop rock, indie pop, and grunge, balancing quirky pop hooks with surging power1. The song opens with Kim Deal’s distorted “Check, check, one, two” vocal, recorded using a harmonica microphone for a raw, lo-fi effect1. The rhythm is built from metallic snare rim and cymbal stand clicks, followed by the track’s signature bubbling bass line and slithering guitar riff1.
- Arrangement: The song is known for its playful, start-stop dynamics, false endings, and infectious chorus (“Hey now, hey now, I want you koo koo cannonball”)14. Its structure alternates between minimalist verses and explosive, melodic hooks, layered with sweet vocal harmonies1.
- Chords and Key: Written in E-flat major, the song’s chord progression and tempo (112 BPM) contribute to its energetic, off-kilter feel1.
Lyrics and Themes
- Playful Subversion: The lyrics are filled with surreal, tongue-in-cheek imagery—“Spitting in a wishing well / Blown to hell… crash / I’m the last splash”—and playful taunts (“I know you, little libertine / I know you’re a real koo koo”).
- Commitment and Rebellion: The “cannonball” becomes a metaphor for diving headfirst into chaos or rebellion, with Deal positioning herself as both instigator and willing participant (“Don’t just jump in… do a cannonball! ... I’m gonna be the last splash”)3.
- Genre Blending: The line “I’ll be your whatever you want / The bong in this reggae song” nods to the band’s playful merging of genres and influences.
Reception and Legacy
- Chart Performance: "Cannonball" reached No. 44 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 40 on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at No. 8 in France1.
- Cultural Impact: The song is widely recognized as a defining moment of 1990s alternative rock, praised for its originality and enduring appeal21.
- Influence: "Cannonball" helped cement The Breeders’ reputation as one of the era’s most inventive and influential bands, inspiring artists across genres32.
Conclusion
"Cannonball" is a playful, rebellious anthem that fuses pop hooks, grunge energy, and surreal lyricism. Its inventive production, memorable bass line, and Kim Deal’s charismatic delivery have made it a classic of alternative rock—an enduring reminder to dive headfirst and make a splash, no matter how chaotic the waters.
Key Lyrics:
"Spitting in a wishing well / Blown to hell… crash / I’m the last splash"
"Hey now, hey now, I want you koo koo cannonball"
"I’ll be your whatever you want / The bong in this reggae song"
