15

Marilyn Manson's song '15' is a raw and intense exploration of personal transformation, defiance, and the struggle for self-preservation. The lyrics open with a sense of disillusionment, as the narrator reflects on the death of their former beliefs. This moment of existential crisis is juxtaposed with the declaration that today is their birthday, symbolizing a rebirth or a new beginning. The repeated assertion of not needing anyone underscores a fierce independence, yet there's an underlying acknowledgment of the human need for connection, as the narrator admits that someone with 'half a soul' would understand and never leave them.

The song delves deeper into the theme of loss and the pain of abandonment. The narrator's promise to show what life feels like without 'forever' suggests a profound sense of betrayal and the emotional void left by those who have abandoned them. This void is so intense that it drives the narrator to a point of extreme resolve, where they are willing to 'kill to protect what [they] believe in.' This line is a powerful metaphor for the lengths one might go to defend their newfound sense of self and beliefs, even if it means resorting to drastic measures.

Manson's lyrics also touch on the idea of survival and the need for someone to save them. The narrator's admission that being left alone to die is worse than being killed outright highlights the depth of their despair and the human need for companionship and support. The song concludes with a vow to teach the listener about loss, indicating a desire to impart the painful lessons they've learned. Through '15,' Marilyn Manson crafts a narrative of rebirth, defiance, and the relentless pursuit of self-preservation, wrapped in a dark, emotional, and introspective package.