Angel With The Scabbed Wings
Marilyn Manson
The Dark Allure of the Fallen Angel
Marilyn Manson's song "Angel With The Scabbed Wings" delves into the dark and twisted allure of a fallen angel figure, embodying both destruction and seduction. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character who is both revered and reviled, a figure who defies conventional morality and revels in chaos. This angel, with his scabbed wings and hard-drug face, symbolizes the corrupting influence of fame and the rock and roll lifestyle. The imagery of deflowering the freshest crop and drying up wombs with rock and roll sores suggests a destructive force that taints purity and innocence.
The song's chorus emphasizes the duality of this figure, describing him as the maker, taker, savior, and raper. This juxtaposition highlights the complex nature of the character, who embodies both creation and destruction, salvation and violation. The repeated line "Dead is what he is, he does what he please" underscores the nihilistic and hedonistic tendencies of this fallen angel, who operates outside the bounds of societal norms and expectations.
Manson's lyrics also explore themes of identity and aspiration, as seen in the lines "You don't wanna see him, you only wanna be him." This reflects the allure of the rock and roll lifestyle, where fans idolize and aspire to be like their heroes, despite the dark realities that come with it. The metaphor of the scarecrow and the corn growing suggests that not everything in life can be controlled or predicted, and that sometimes, the consequences of one's actions are unavoidable. Ultimately, "Angel With The Scabbed Wings" serves as a commentary on the seductive yet destructive nature of fame and the rock and roll culture, encapsulating the allure and the inevitable downfall that often accompanies it.