The End

Marilyn Manson's rendition of 'The End,' originally by The Doors, is a haunting exploration of finality, chaos, and existential dread. The song opens with a somber declaration, 'This is the end, beautiful friend,' setting a tone of inevitable closure. The repetition of 'the end' underscores the inescapable nature of this conclusion, whether it be the end of a relationship, a phase of life, or even life itself. The lyrics evoke a sense of loss and finality, with lines like 'I'll never look into your eyes again,' emphasizing the permanence of this ending.

The song delves into a surreal and almost apocalyptic vision of the world. Phrases like 'Lost in a Roman wilderness of pain' and 'All the children are insane' paint a picture of a society in disarray, teetering on the brink of collapse. The imagery of riding the snake to an ancient lake and the repeated mention of 'the west is the best' suggest a journey or escape, perhaps to a place of perceived safety or enlightenment. However, this journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty, as indicated by the line 'There's danger on the edge of town.'

One of the most striking and controversial parts of the song is the narrative of the killer who 'awoke before dawn' and the subsequent confrontation with his parents. This section is laden with Oedipal undertones, culminating in the shocking declaration, 'Father, I want to kill you.' The repeated references to 'mother' and the explicit language used create a disturbing and visceral experience for the listener. This part of the song can be interpreted as a metaphor for breaking free from societal and familial constraints, albeit in a violent and unsettling manner. Manson's delivery adds an extra layer of intensity, making 'The End' a powerful and provocative piece that challenges the listener to confront their own fears and anxieties about the end of things.