Them Bones

Alice in Chains unleashed "Them Bones" as the second single from their 1992 album Dirt, and it hits like a sledgehammer right from the opening riff. Clocking in at just two and a half minutes, the song wastes no time establishing its signature 7/8 time signature, a rhythmic choice that gives it a lurching, off-kilter feel. Jerry Cantrell wrote the lyrics and handles the verses with a grittier vocal delivery, while Layne Staley takes over for the choruses, their harmonies weaving together over a chugging guitar assault. The subject matter is unflinching: mortality, decay, and the idea that we're born already headed for the grave. Cantrell has said the song was partly inspired by his father's military service and the bone fragments he brought home from Vietnam, a detail that adds a personal layer to the grim imagery.

The recording sessions for Dirt took place at Eldorado Recording Studios in Burbank and One on One Studios in Los Angeles, with producer Dave Jerden at the helm. The band had already built a following with their 1990 debut Facelift, but Dirt pushed their sound into darker, more complex territory. "Them Bones" opens the album, setting the tone for a record that would become a cornerstone of the grunge movement. The song's structure is unusual for rock radio at the time, with its shifting time signature and abrupt stops, but it still managed to climb to No. 24 on the Mainstream Rock chart and No. 30 on the Modern Rock chart.

Rocky Schenck directed the music video, which features the band playing in a large dirt pit while a puddle in front of them reflects surreal images of animals fighting and a baby being born. The video caught the attention of MTV and was later featured on an episode of Beavis and Butt-Head, where Butt-head called it "the coolest video I've ever seen." The song has since appeared on multiple compilations, including Nothing Safe: Best of the Box and Greatest Hits, and remains a staple of the band's live shows, often serving as an encore opener. Its raw energy and existential dread have made it a favorite among fans who appreciate Alice in Chains at their most visceral. [edit]