Hey There Mr. Brooks (feat. Shawn Milke)
Asking Alexandria
The Dark Descent: Exploring the Psyche in 'Hey There Mr. Brooks'
Asking Alexandria's song 'Hey There Mr. Brooks (feat. Shawn Milke)' delves into the dark and twisted mind of a serial killer, drawing inspiration from the 2007 film 'Mr. Brooks,' which stars Kevin Costner as a seemingly normal man with a hidden, murderous alter ego. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the internal struggle and the cyclical nature of the protagonist's violent tendencies. The song opens with the return of the killer's hunger, indicating a relapse into his murderous ways despite previous attempts to stop. The imagery of burned pictures and dancing memories suggests a haunting past that continues to torment him, leading to a pounding heart and an inevitable return to violence.
The narrative progresses with the killer's meticulous planning and execution of his crimes. The lines 'I didn't make a sound / They didn't see me coming' highlight his stealth and precision, while 'One scream it's over / I lay them side by side' depicts the cold, calculated nature of his actions. The repetition of 'I'll be there in the morning with a smile on my face' underscores the chilling normalcy with which he resumes his life after committing such heinous acts, suggesting a disturbing disconnect between his public persona and his true self.
The song takes a darker turn with the introduction of a witness who catches the killer 'red handed.' The ensuing panic and confrontation reveal the killer's desperation to maintain control, ultimately leading to another murder. The final verses introduce a poignant twist, as the killer reflects on his daughter, 'Daddy's little girl,' and the fear that she might follow in his footsteps. The imagery of 'scissors to my throat' symbolizes the internal conflict and self-loathing that plague him, as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the potential impact on his loved ones. Through its intense and graphic lyrics, 'Hey There Mr. Brooks' offers a chilling exploration of the human psyche and the darkness that can lurk within.