Dust To Dust

The song 'Dust To Dust' by Misfits delves into themes of abandonment, existential despair, and the ultimate futility of life. The lyrics are a poignant cry from a character who feels forsaken by both divine and parental figures. The opening lines, 'Hate you father for you have sinned / Why did you Lord Let this life begin?' set the tone for a narrative steeped in resentment and questioning of existence. The protagonist rejects any notion of being a savior or a cherished son, instead identifying as a 'forgotten boy, abandoned creation.' This sense of being unwanted and unloved permeates the entire song.

The recurring phrase 'We turn to dust / Dust to dust' is a stark reminder of mortality and the inevitable return to nothingness. This biblical reference to the phrase 'ashes to ashes, dust to dust' underscores the transient nature of life and the futility of human endeavors. The protagonist's name being 'like the kiss of death' suggests a self-fulfilling prophecy of doom and destruction, further emphasizing the nihilistic outlook. The act of 'pulling the switch' symbolizes a final, irreversible decision, possibly hinting at self-destruction or the end of a painful existence.

The song also explores the complex relationship between the protagonist and their parents, who are described as 'Mother, Father answer me / You soul-less son, your thing that should not be.' This line suggests a deep-seated conflict and a sense of being an unwanted, monstrous creation. The protagonist feels like a 'brilliant demon' or a 'monster God,' highlighting the internal struggle between their inherent worth and the perception of being a cursed being. The repeated assertion 'We belong dead' serves as a grim conclusion, reinforcing the idea that the protagonist sees death as the only escape from their torment.