The Insatiable Call: Unpacking 'Feed Me, Seymour' And Its Cultural Bite
The phrase "feed me seymour" instantly conjures images of a carnivorous plant, a hapless florist, and a darkly comedic musical that has captivated audiences for decades. It's more than just a line; it's the pivotal demand that drives the plot of *Little Shop of Horrors*, a chilling yet hilarious tale of ambition, temptation, and the perilous price of success. This iconic command, delivered by the insatiable Audrey II, has burrowed its way into popular culture, becoming synonymous with unchecked desire and the Faustian bargains we sometimes strike for a taste of the good life.
From its humble off-Broadway beginnings to its cinematic adaptation, *Little Shop of Horrors* has maintained its unique charm, largely thanks to its memorable characters and catchy, often sinister, musical numbers. At the heart of its enduring appeal lies the song "Feed Me (Git It!)", a masterful piece of theatrical storytelling that lays bare the central conflict and propels Seymour Krelborn down a path of no return. This article will delve deep into the origins, lyrics, and profound cultural impact of this unforgettable demand, exploring how it perfectly encapsulates the dark humor and cautionary themes of one of theatre's most beloved productions.
Table of Contents
- The Roots of a Horticultural Horror: Understanding *Little Shop of Horrors*
- Seymour Krelborn: The Reluctant Caretaker
- Audrey II: The Voice of Temptation and Insatiable Appetite
- "Feed Me, Seymour": A Song of Seduction and Downfall
- The Unfortunate Demise of Orin Scrivello and Others
- The Deeper Meanings Behind "Feed Me, Seymour"
- The Enduring Legacy of an Iconic Line
- Beyond the Lyrics: The Power of Musical Storytelling
The Roots of a Horticultural Horror: Understanding *Little Shop of Horrors*
*Little Shop of Horrors* began its life as a low-budget 1960 horror-comedy film directed by Roger Corman. However, it truly blossomed into a cultural phenomenon with the 1982 off-Broadway musical adaptation by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman. This stage version, with its catchy doo-wop and rock and roll inspired score, transformed the quirky B-movie into a critically acclaimed hit, eventually leading to the beloved 1986 film adaptation directed by Frank Oz. The story centers on Seymour Krelborn, a meek and unlucky floral assistant working in the dilapidated Mushnik's Skid Row Florists. His life takes an extraordinary turn when he discovers a strange, exotic plant during a solar eclipse. This plant, which he names Audrey II after his co-worker crush, promises him fame, fortune, and love – but at a horrifying cost: it feeds exclusively on human blood. The musical masterfully blends dark comedy, sci-fi elements, and a poignant exploration of human nature, all set to an irresistible soundtrack.
Seymour Krelborn: The Reluctant Caretaker
From Nerdy Florist to Botanical Benefactor: Seymour's Journey
At the core of *Little Shop of Horrors* is Seymour Krelborn, a character designed to evoke both sympathy and a degree of exasperation. He is, as the narrative establishes, "a nerdy florist finds his chance for success and" a way out of his miserable existence. Before Audrey II, Seymour is an unassuming, somewhat awkward young man, perpetually downtrodden by his boss, Mr. Mushnik, and too timid to express his feelings for his kind-hearted colleague, Audrey. His discovery of the peculiar plant, initially a curiosity, quickly becomes his ticket to a better life. The plant, small and sickly at first, only thrives when Seymour accidentally pricks his finger and it tastes his blood. This seemingly innocent act sets in motion a chain of events that will irrevocably alter Seymour's destiny, transforming him from a nobody into a local celebrity, all thanks to his mysterious botanical find.
The Ethical Dilemma: Feeding the Beast
As Audrey II grows, so does its appetite, and its demands become increasingly sinister. Seymour is initially horrified by the plant's true nature and its need for human sustenance. The moral conflict he faces is palpable: does he sacrifice his newfound success and the potential for a happy life with Audrey, or does he succumb to the plant's demands and cross ethical lines he never imagined? This internal struggle is a crucial element of the story. The turning point arrives when Seymour witnesses Audrey's abusive dentist boyfriend, Orin Scrivello, mistreating her. "Seymour initially refuses but eventually agrees after he witnesses Orin abusing Audrey (feed me (git it!))". This moment of desperation, fueled by his love for Audrey and a desire to protect her, pushes Seymour over the edge, leading him to commit his first, albeit accidental, act of murder. From then on, the plant's demands become more frequent and more difficult to resist, constantly echoing the insidious command to "feed me, seymour." The plant's relentless hunger forces Seymour to confront his own moral boundaries, pushing him further into a web of deceit and murder, as he rationalizes each new victim as a necessary step towards a brighter future. He finds himself in a desperate situation, often muttering, "Look, maybe I can squeeze a little out of this," as he contemplates his next gruesome task.
Audrey II: The Voice of Temptation and Insatiable Appetite
Audrey II is far more than just a plant; it's a charismatic, manipulative, and increasingly monstrous character that serves as the story's primary antagonist and the embodiment of temptation. Voiced by a powerful, often gravelly baritone, Audrey II possesses a persuasive charm that belies its carnivorous nature. It doesn't just demand food; it negotiates, cajoles, and threatens, exploiting Seymour's deepest desires and insecurities. As the plant grows, its personality becomes more pronounced and its demands more insistent. The iconic line, "Feed me, Krelborn, feed me now," becomes a recurring motif, a constant reminder of the Faustian bargain Seymour has struck. Audrey II represents the seductive power of quick success and the ease with which one can rationalize immoral acts when faced with overwhelming temptation. Its growth from a small, helpless sprout to a colossal, sentient being mirrors Seymour's descent into moral compromise, with each new meal fueling not just the plant's physical growth but also its psychological hold over him. The plant's promises of fame, fortune, and a life free from poverty are incredibly alluring, making it difficult for Seymour to resist its increasingly sinister requests.
"Feed Me, Seymour": A Song of Seduction and Downfall
The Lyrical Allure: Promises of Fame and Fortune
The song "Feed Me (Git It!)" is the musical's dark heart, a duet between the increasingly desperate Seymour and the cunning Audrey II. It's where the plant truly reveals its manipulative prowess, offering Seymour a tantalizing vision of the life he craves in exchange for a steady supply of human blood. The lyrics are a masterclass in psychological manipulation, playing on Seymour's every insecurity and aspiration. Audrey II's lines are a direct appeal to Seymour's desires, promising him everything he lacks: "Feed me, Seymour / feed me all night long / that's right, boy / you can do it / feed me, Seymour / feed me all night long / 'cause if you feed me, Seymour / I can grow up big and strong." The plant dangles materialistic dreams before him, asking, "Would you like a Cadillac car? Or a guest shot on Jack Paar? How about a date with..." It paints a picture of a life filled with luxury, fame, and the love of Audrey, all within Seymour's reach if only he complies. The song highlights the "Sudden changes surround me / lady luck came and found me / thanks a million for making the magic you do / thanks to you, sweet petunia, Mushnik's taken a junior." These lines, sung by Seymour, reflect his initial joy and belief that his fortunes have truly changed, before the sinister reality of the plant's demands fully sets in. The plant's laughter, "Ha ha ha ha ha," punctuates its triumph, emphasizing its growing power over Seymour. It's a chillingly effective portrayal of a deal with the devil, where the initial benefits seem to outweigh the moral costs, until it's too late.
The Cinematic and Stage Renditions: Capturing the Essence
The performance of "Feed Me (Git It!)" is a highlight in both the stage musical and the 1986 film. In the musical, "It is sung by Seymour Krelborn and Audrey II as the" pivotal moment where the plant's true nature and demands are laid bare. The dynamic between the meek Seymour and the booming, persuasive plant is crucial to its impact. The song builds in intensity, reflecting Seymour's growing desperation and the plant's increasing control. The 1986 film, starring Rick Moranis as Seymour and Levi Stubbs as the voice of Audrey II, brought this iconic number to a wider audience with stunning visual effects that made Audrey II's growth and expressiveness incredibly convincing. It's worth noting, as some fans have observed, "I noticed how there was little to no good videos that contained the entire song (including the dialogue) of feed me, seymour from the 1986 movie, the little shop of horrors," which speaks to the desire for a complete, immersive experience of this crucial scene. The song's structure, blending dialogue with powerful musicality, makes it a standout. The "song lyrics to Broadway show" versions are often studied for their narrative efficiency and character development. The interplay between Seymour's reluctance and Audrey II's relentless insistence creates a compelling dramatic tension that is both darkly humorous and genuinely unsettling, solidifying its place as a classic musical theatre number.
The Unfortunate Demise of Orin Scrivello and Others
The first significant victim of Audrey II's hunger, and Seymour's moral compromise, is Orin Scrivello, D.D.S., Audrey's sadistic and abusive boyfriend. Orin is a character designed to be utterly despicable, making his eventual demise almost palatable to the audience. He is a dentist who finds perverse pleasure in inflicting pain, as evidenced by his interaction with "his masochistic patient, Arthur Denton, who had requested a" particularly painful procedure. This scene, though brief, establishes Orin's character as someone who truly deserves his fate, making Seymour's decision to feed him to Audrey II a moment of dark poetic justice, albeit a horrifying one. Seymour, initially planning to simply scare Orin, accidentally causes his death during a nitrous oxide malfunction, and the plant eagerly consumes him. This act sets a dangerous precedent. The second victim is Mr. Mushnik, Seymour's boss. "Meanwhile, Mushnik returns to the shop to get cash and secretly observes Seymour feeding the plant," realizing the gruesome truth. Mushnik attempts to blackmail Seymour, but the plant, ever opportunistic, devours him too, further entangling Seymour in a web of murder and deceit. Each victim represents a step further down Seymour's path of moral decay, driven by the plant's relentless demand to "feed me, seymour." These deaths, while comedic in their presentation within the musical's dark humor, underscore the escalating stakes and the irreversible nature of Seymour's choices.
The Deeper Meanings Behind "Feed Me, Seymour"
Beyond its surface-level entertainment, "Feed Me, Seymour" and *Little Shop of Horrors* as a whole are rich with deeper thematic meanings. The plant's insatiable hunger and its manipulative tactics serve as a powerful allegory for various societal critiques. Primarily, it's a sharp satire on the American Dream and the perils of unchecked ambition. Seymour, a symbol of the downtrodden, is offered a shortcut to success, but it comes at the cost of his morality and ultimately his freedom. The plant's demands for more and more blood can be seen as a metaphor for consumerism and capitalism's relentless drive for growth, often at the expense of ethical considerations or human lives. The allure of fame, wealth, and social status, as promised by Audrey II ("Would you like a Cadillac car?"), blinds Seymour to the true horror of his actions. The musical also explores themes of moral compromise, complicity, and the slippery slope of rationalization. Each time Seymour gives in to the plant's demands, it becomes easier to do so again, blurring the lines between right and wrong. The phrase "feed me, seymour" thus becomes a chilling representation of the internal voice of temptation, the insidious whispers that persuade us to compromise our values for perceived gain. It's a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking shortcuts and the ultimate price of succumbing to one's darker impulses.
The Enduring Legacy of an Iconic Line
The line "feed me seymour" has transcended its origins in *Little Shop of Horrors* to become a widely recognized cultural reference. Its simple yet powerful phrasing, combined with the memorable context of a talking, man-eating plant, has made it ripe for parody, memes, and casual conversation. It's often used humorously to express an intense desire or hunger, whether for food, information, or even attention. The line's versatility lies in its ability to evoke the dark humor and the underlying theme of insatiable demand. From animated sitcoms to internet memes, the image of a demanding entity uttering this phrase is instantly recognizable to many, even those who may not have seen the musical or the film. This widespread recognition speaks to the enduring power of the story and its characters. The phrase serves as a shorthand for a situation where one is being pressured to provide something, often against their better judgment, by an entity that is growing in power and influence. It’s a testament to the brilliance of Howard Ashman’s lyrics and Alan Menken’s music that such a specific line from a musical has achieved such broad cultural penetration, cementing *Little Shop of Horrors* as a timeless piece of pop culture history.
Beyond the Lyrics: The Power of Musical Storytelling
The genius of "Feed Me, Seymour" lies not just in its memorable lyrics or its dramatic impact, but in its function as a pivotal moment in musical storytelling. In theatre, songs are not merely intermissions; they are integral to advancing the plot, developing characters, and exploring themes. "Feed Me, Seymour" is a prime example of this principle. It is the moment where the central conflict of the show is fully established, where Seymour's moral dilemma is laid bare, and where the true, terrifying nature of Audrey II is revealed. The song encapsulates the Faustian bargain that drives the entire narrative, setting the stage for the escalating horror and dark comedy that follows. It's a masterclass in how a single musical number can carry immense narrative weight, propelling the story forward while simultaneously deepening our understanding of the characters' motivations and the underlying messages of the work. The interplay between Seymour's growing fear and the plant's persuasive power creates a dynamic tension that keeps the audience engaged and invested in the unfolding tragedy. This song, more than any other, defines the core relationship in *Little Shop of Horrors* and solidifies its status as a classic of the genre, demonstrating the profound power of music to tell a compelling and unforgettable story.
Conclusion
The phrase "feed me seymour" is far more than a catchy line; it's the chilling, humorous, and deeply symbolic heart of *Little Shop of Horrors*. It represents the seductive allure of ambition, the perilous path of moral compromise, and the insatiable demands that can arise when we chase success at any cost. Through the iconic song "Feed Me (Git It!)", we witness Seymour Krelborn's descent from a timid florist to a reluctant murderer, driven by the promises of a carnivorous plant named Audrey II. The song's clever lyrics, coupled with its powerful performance, effectively convey the dark humor and cautionary tale embedded within this beloved musical. Its enduring presence in popular culture is a testament to its unforgettable characters, its sharp wit, and its timeless themes of temptation and consequence.
If you haven't experienced the dark delights of *Little Shop of Horrors*, whether on stage or through the 1986 film, now is the perfect time to discover why "feed me seymour" has resonated with audiences for generations. What are your favorite moments from the show, or what deeper meanings do you find in Audrey II's relentless demands? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to share this article with fellow fans of this horticultural horror! For more insights into iconic musical theatre moments, explore other articles on our site.
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