Down With The Sickness

Richard Cheese's rendition of 'Down With The Sickness' is a unique and satirical take on the original song by Disturbed. Known for his lounge-style covers of popular rock and metal songs, Cheese transforms the aggressive and intense nature of the original into a seemingly more lighthearted, yet still deeply unsettling, performance. The song's lyrics delve into themes of inner turmoil, societal decay, and the unleashing of repressed anger and hatred.

The repeated phrase 'Get up, come on get down with the sickness!' serves as a rallying cry, urging listeners to embrace their darker emotions and let them surface. This 'sickness' can be interpreted as the pent-up rage and frustration that individuals often suppress due to societal norms and expectations. By encouraging the release of these emotions, the song suggests a cathartic, albeit destructive, way of dealing with inner demons.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of a world that has lost its goodness, where the 'sickness is rising' and 'all that was good has died.' This bleak outlook reflects a sense of disillusionment with the state of the world, where negativity and chaos seem to prevail. The mention of waking up the 'demon' within further emphasizes the transformation from suppressed emotions to overt expressions of anger and madness. The song's raw and explicit language underscores the intensity of these feelings, making it a powerful commentary on the darker aspects of human nature and society.

Richard Cheese's version, with its contrasting musical style, adds a layer of irony to the song, highlighting the absurdity of such intense emotions being expressed in a seemingly calm and collected manner. This juxtaposition serves to amplify the song's message, making it both a critique and a reflection of the chaotic energy that lies beneath the surface of everyday life.