Nike A Go Go
Misfits
The Lethal Allure of 'Nike A Go Go'
The Misfits' song 'Nike A Go Go' is a dark and enigmatic exploration of love, technology, and destruction. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a 'missile girl' in a 'missile world,' blending human emotions with cold, mechanical imagery. This juxtaposition creates a sense of unease, as the human tongue feels the aluminum plate, symbolizing the merging of human and machine. The 'missile boy' and 'missile girl' are depicted as death machines, yet they are in love, highlighting the paradox of affection intertwined with annihilation.
The name 'Nike' is significant, as it evokes the Greek goddess of victory, but here, it is twisted into a symbol of deadly power. The repeated phrase 'Nike be good, Nike be everything woman's not' suggests a longing for an idealized, yet unattainable, form of perfection. This ideal is ultimately destructive, as the lyrics repeatedly emphasize the lethal nature of Nike, who is 'deadlier than any girl on any world.' The song's chorus, with its insistent 'go go go,' mimics the relentless drive of a missile, underscoring the theme of unstoppable force.
The song's conclusion, with the repeated line 'There I go and then it's over,' reinforces the fatalistic tone. It suggests a sense of inevitability, as if the narrator is resigned to their fate. The repetition of 'a go go' adds a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality, drawing the listener into the song's dark narrative. 'Nike A Go Go' is a powerful commentary on the intersection of technology, love, and destruction, wrapped in the Misfits' signature punk rock style.