Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good

Megadeth's song "Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good" delves into the mind of a cold-blooded assassin, painting a vivid picture of a character who is both methodical and ruthless. The lyrics are written from the perspective of a sniper, a paid assassin who takes pride in his precision and efficiency. The opening lines, "I am a sniper, always hit the mark / Paid assassin, working after dark," set the tone for the song, emphasizing the protagonist's lethal skills and nocturnal operations. The use of infra-red technology to locate targets further underscores the modern, calculated nature of his work.

The transactional nature of the assassin's work is highlighted by the lines, "$10,000 up front, $10,000 when I'm through," which suggest a business-like approach to killing. This detachment is further emphasized by the protagonist's indifference to the reasons behind his assignments, as he states, "Don't need to hear the truth, don't need the lies." The assassin's sole focus is on the completion of his task and the monetary reward that follows. This cold pragmatism is chilling, as it strips away any moral or ethical considerations, reducing human life to a mere commodity.

The chorus, "Killing is my business / And business is good," serves as a grim reminder of the protagonist's satisfaction with his line of work. The repetition of this phrase reinforces the idea that the assassin not only excels at his job but also takes a perverse pleasure in it. The song's dark and aggressive tone is characteristic of Megadeth's style, which often explores themes of violence, war, and societal decay. Through this song, Megadeth provides a stark commentary on the dehumanizing effects of treating killing as a business, where efficiency and profit overshadow any sense of morality or humanity.