The song "Shankill Butchers" by Sarah Jarosz is actually a cover of a song originally written by the band The Decemberists. The song tells the story of a notorious group of killers from Belfast, Northern Ireland called the Shankill Butchers. The Shankill Butchers were a group of Protestant males who went on a killing spree during the 1970s, targeting Catholic civilians. They were known for their brutality, using knives and cleavers to torture and murder their victims. The lyrics describe the fear that the Butchers struck into the hearts of the local community, with people being advised to lock their windows and doors at night. The song explores the idea that these killers were not born evil, but were perhaps once innocent young boys who were corrupted by the rampant sectarian violence that plagued Northern Ireland at the time. The line "they used to be sweet little boys, but something went horribly askew" reflects this idea. Overall, the song is a haunting reminder of the violence and division that defined Northern Ireland in the 20th century, and serves as a cautionary tale against the dangers of sectarian hatred and extremism.
