Posthuman

Marilyn Manson's song 'Posthuman' delves into themes of dehumanization, the intersection of technology and humanity, and the disillusionment with traditional religious and societal values. The lyrics are rich with metaphors and cultural references, painting a picture of a world where human identity is increasingly intertwined with technology and media. The reference to 'eyes like Zapruder' alludes to the infamous Zapruder film of JFK's assassination, suggesting a cold, detached way of seeing the world. The 'mouth like heroin' metaphor implies an addictive, destructive influence, possibly hinting at the allure and danger of modern media and technology.

The song critiques the idolization of figures like JFK and Jackie Kennedy, with lines like 'perfect like Kennedy' and 'a saint like Jackie-o.' These references highlight the unrealistic standards and the mythologizing of public figures, which can lead to a sense of inadequacy and disillusionment. The repeated assertion that 'God is just a statistic' underscores a nihilistic view, suggesting that traditional religious beliefs have been reduced to mere numbers and data in a posthuman world. This is further emphasized by the line 'God is a number we cannot count to,' implying that the divine has become an abstract, unreachable concept in the face of technological advancement.

The chorus, 'show me the dead stars, all of them sing,' evokes a sense of lost glory and the haunting presence of past icons. The phrase 'This is a riot, religious and clean' juxtaposes chaos with purity, perhaps reflecting the contradictory nature of modern existence. The song's closing line, 'all that glitters is cold,' from the 'COMA WHITE' section, reinforces the idea that the superficial allure of fame and technology is ultimately empty and devoid of warmth or true value. Through 'Posthuman,' Marilyn Manson offers a provocative commentary on the erosion of human essence in an increasingly digital and media-saturated world.