Fresh Meat for the Grinder is a dark, electrifying ensemble number from A Clockwork Heart, set in B minor and driven by a relentless pulse that mirrors the danger closing in around Rose. What begins as a glittering spectacle quickly curdles into something far more predatory, as onlookers circle the mysterious wind-up girl with fascination and hunger.

The song explores the chilling cost of being seen as an object rather than a person, blending vaudevillian energy with an undercurrent of menace. As the crowd’s curiosity turns invasive, Rose’s fear rises until it can no longer be contained, shattering the performance in a moment that is as shocking as it is heartbreaking. A pivotal turning point, this track exposes the cruelty beneath the carnival lights.

FRESH MEAT FOR THE GRINDER

Tempo: ♩ = 132 Key: B Minor

Verse Progression (8 bars): Bm | F#m | G | F#m | Bm | Em | F# | Bm

Chorus Progression (8 bars): G | F# | Bm | D | Em | F#m | G | F#

Bridge Progression (8 bars): Bm | G | D | A | Bm | G | F# | F#

Verse 1 (Person 1)

Fresh meat for the grinder, Waiting there…

Ain’t she fine?

Made up to sparkle, Watch her pout and shine.

Verse 2 (Person 2)

Lips like candied, Raspberries, Skin like cream.

Turn her key, Watch her move, She’s a midsummer, Night’s dream.

Chorus (Person 1 & 2)

Let’s see what this wind-up doll can do, Slide that silk, Let’s break her mystique, Time to take a peek.

Verse 3 (Person 2)

Look at her eyes, Like a frighted dove…

Ain’t they fine?

Innocent and new, I think I’ll make her mine.

Verse 4 (Person 3)

She’s a toy, Let’s play a game, She’s a treat.

Make her blush, What a rush, She’s good enough to eat.

Chorus (Person 1, 2 & 3)

Let’s see what this wind-up doll can do, Slide that silk, Let’s break her mystique, Time to take a peek.

Bridge (Person 1)

Wind her, Make her go all night.

Does she sleep? Does she cry? I don’t care, I just want her tonight.

Chorus (Person 1, 2 & 3) x 2

Let’s see what this wind-up doll can do, Slide that silk, Let’s break her mystique, Time to take a peek.

(Rose begins to tremble. A hand reaches for her waist. Another tugs her ribbon. She jerks back, shakes her head. Then — suddenly — she SCREAMS over the music)