Wrapped In Plastic

Marilyn Manson's song 'Wrapped In Plastic' delves into the sinister underbelly of domestic life, exposing the hidden fears, guilt, and hypocrisy that often lie beneath the surface. The lyrics paint a disturbing picture of a household where guilt is omnipresent, likened to a snake that is beaten yet continues to grow, symbolizing the inescapable nature of internalized guilt and shame. This guilt is metaphorically baked into pies, suggesting that it is an integral part of the family's daily life, consumed and internalized by its members.

The song also critiques the transformation of roles within the household, where children are driven away from their innocence and housewives are reduced to mere objects of desire. The line 'handcrafted housewives into whores' starkly highlights the degradation and objectification of women within the domestic sphere. The recurring theme of fear is evident, as it is described as a beast that is both created and feared by the family, indicating a cycle of self-perpetuating dread and loathing.

The chorus, 'come into our home, won't you stay, I know the steak is cold but it's wrapped in plastic,' serves as a chilling invitation into this facade of normalcy. The cold steak wrapped in plastic symbolizes the artificial and unappetizing nature of the family's outward appearance, hiding the cold, hard truth beneath a thin veneer of respectability. The song's imagery of a father instructing his daughter to 'wash away sin' by taking off her skin further underscores the grotesque and abusive dynamics at play, revealing the deep-seated corruption and moral decay within the family unit.

Manson's lyrics are a stark commentary on the dark side of domestic life, where appearances are maintained at the cost of genuine emotional and moral integrity. The song challenges listeners to confront the uncomfortable truths about the environments they inhabit and the roles they play within them.