A Skeleton In The Closet

Anthrax's song 'A Skeleton In The Closet' delves into the dark and disturbing themes of hidden pasts and the haunting consequences of evil deeds. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a seemingly ordinary old man who harbors a sinister history as a former member of the S.S., the paramilitary organization under Nazi Germany. The song explores the concept of hidden skeletons in one's closet, representing the buried secrets and sins that continue to haunt individuals long after their actions have been committed.

The narrative unfolds with a sense of urgency and confrontation, as the protagonist demands the old man to reveal his dark past. The lyrics 'Tell me a story - Will ya, Will ya / A real good story, I won't leave till ya / Spill your guts old man' emphasize the relentless pursuit of truth and the desire to uncover the hidden horrors. The song's imagery of 'six million dead' and 'poison tales' serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust, highlighting the lingering impact of such heinous acts on both the victims and the perpetrators.

As the song progresses, it delves deeper into the psychological torment experienced by the old man, who is haunted by his past actions. The references to 'puppetmaster boy or Nazi' and 'nightmares turn into wet dreams' suggest a twisted fascination with power and control, as well as the perverse pleasure derived from inflicting pain. The climax of the song reveals the old man's desperate attempt to escape his guilt and shame, culminating in a violent and tragic end. The lyrics 'A loaded gun, a happy smile, he'll scope the freeway for awhile / King of the world, four hundred rounds it took five hours to bring him down' depict a final act of defiance and self-destruction, symbolizing the inescapable consequences of one's actions.

'A Skeleton In The Closet' serves as a powerful commentary on the enduring impact of past sins and the inevitable reckoning that follows. Through its intense and evocative lyrics, Anthrax captures the essence of guilt, shame, and the relentless pursuit of truth, leaving listeners with a haunting reminder of the darkness that can lurk within seemingly ordinary individuals.