Killed By Death
Motörhead
Embracing the Inevitable: Motörhead's 'Killed By Death'
Motörhead's 'Killed By Death' is a song that embodies the band's hard rock ethos and frontman Lemmy Kilmister's larger-than-life persona. The lyrics are a blend of bravado, dark humor, and a touch of the macabre, which are hallmarks of Motörhead's style. The song seems to play with the idea of living life on one's own terms, with a sense of invincibility, until the only thing that can stop such a forceful presence is death itself.
The opening lines, which reference squeezing a lizard and putting a snake on someone, use reptilian imagery to convey a sense of danger and unpredictability, characteristics often associated with rock and roll rebellion. The song's chorus, 'Killed by death,' is an oxymoron that humorously states the obvious—death is the ultimate end for everyone, but it's presented in a way that suggests a defiant acceptance of this fact. The repeated phrase underscores the inevitability of death and the singer's determination to remain unyielding until that final moment.
The song's attitude reflects the band's reputation for living life at full throttle. Motörhead's music often dealt with themes of excess, the outlaw lifestyle, and a disdain for conformity. 'Killed By Death' captures the essence of the band's philosophy: life is to be lived without compromise, and the only thing that will make them 'easy' or compliant is death itself. This message resonates with fans who admire the band's commitment to authenticity and their unapologetic approach to life and music.