Born Again

Marilyn Manson's 'Born Again' delves into themes of identity, transformation, and societal critique. The song opens with a provocative question, asking if the listener wants to claim the song as their own, suggesting a deeper exploration of personal and collective identity. Manson's reference to being a 'monkey with a misspelled name' hints at a sense of being misunderstood or misrepresented, a common theme in his work. This line also critiques the superficiality of art and fame, encapsulated in the 'pretty frame' that holds weak art.

The repeated phrase 'I'll put down your disco and take your heart away' can be interpreted as a rejection of mainstream culture and its hollow pleasures. Disco, often associated with superficiality and escapism, is used here as a metaphor for the empty distractions that society offers. By taking the listener's heart away, Manson implies a deeper, more meaningful connection that transcends these shallow entertainments. The declaration 'I am born again' signifies a transformation, a shedding of old identities and the adoption of a new, perhaps more authentic self.

The chorus, where Manson claims to be 'someone else, someone new, someone stupid just like you,' reflects a cynical view of identity and transformation. It suggests that despite attempts to reinvent oneself, people often end up conforming to the same societal norms and expectations. The reference to 'The valley of the dolls is the valley of the dead' further emphasizes this point, equating the pursuit of superficial beauty and fame with a kind of spiritual death. In 'Born Again,' Manson critiques the emptiness of modern culture and the struggle for genuine self-identity amidst societal pressures.