"The Mercy Seat" is a song written by Nick Cave (lyrics and music) and Mick Harvey (music), originally performed by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds on the 1988 album Tender Prey. The song has been covered by others, including Johnny Cash, Camille O'Sullivan and Unter Null. Rolling Stone editor Toby Creswell lists it as one of the 1001 greatest songs.
The song tells the story of a man about to be executed by the electric chair. The "Mercy Seat" refers both to the kaporet (the lid of the Ark of the Covenant) and to the electric chair. The song is laden with allusions to Christianity; in the Old Testament, the mercy seat is the symbol of the throne of God over the Ark of the Covenant.
Tracks.
01 The Mercy Seat (Seven Inch Version)
02 New Day
03 From Her To Eternity (Film Version)
04 Tupelo (Seven Inch Version)
