New Model No.15

Marilyn Manson's song "New Model No.15" delves into the superficiality and emptiness of modern identity, particularly in the context of societal expectations and consumer culture. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who is entirely constructed and artificial, much like a 'wedding cake'—beautiful on the outside but hollow within. Manson uses the term 'Homopolitan' to suggest a homogenized, urban identity that is 'pitifully predictable' and 'correctly political,' indicating a critique of how people conform to societal norms to fit in.

The chorus, with its repetition of 'I'm the new, new model,' underscores the idea of people being treated as products, constantly updated and improved but ultimately devoid of substance. The lines 'I've got nothing inside' and 'Better in the head and in bed' highlight the emptiness and the focus on external attributes rather than inner qualities. The ability to 'suck it and smile' at the office further emphasizes the performative nature of modern life, where people often have to put on a facade to succeed.

Manson's lyrics also touch on themes of self-destruction and disposability. The references to choking, dieting on coke, and being 'stoned and rolling' suggest a lifestyle of excess and self-abuse, driven by the need to maintain a certain image. The comparison to a VCR, where one has to 'stick something in to know just who you are,' poignantly captures the loss of genuine self-identity in favor of a constructed persona. Through these vivid metaphors and stark imagery, Manson critiques the dehumanizing effects of consumer culture and the relentless pursuit of a perfect, yet ultimately hollow, identity.