Serial Killer

Slash's Snakepit's song 'Serial Killer' delves into the chilling psyche of a disturbed individual who revels in the fear and chaos he creates. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a character who is both fascinated and obsessed with the act of killing, drawing inspiration from infamous figures and the macabre. The song opens with an eerie sense of intimacy, as the protagonist addresses his victim directly, setting the stage for a nightmarish encounter.

The protagonist's desire to emulate notorious killers is evident in lines like 'I wanna be like him, he had a dreadful life' and 'I wanna learn to shoot, I want to use a knife.' This fascination with violence and the tools of murder highlights a deep-seated need for control and power. The repeated references to fear and paralysis suggest that the protagonist derives a twisted pleasure from the terror he instills in others, further emphasizing his sadistic nature.

Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of duality and hidden identities. The protagonist is described as 'the boy next door' who harbors a dark secret, and the lyrics repeatedly mention a transformation that occurs when he 'comes in the night.' This duality is a common trope in horror and thriller genres, where seemingly ordinary individuals conceal monstrous tendencies. The song's chorus, with its haunting refrain of 'boom, boom, bang, bang screams in the dark,' underscores the violence and chaos that the protagonist brings into the lives of his victims.

The song also touches on themes of madness and self-destruction. The protagonist acknowledges that others perceive him as 'crazy' and 'falling apart,' yet he seems to embrace this identity, reveling in the chaos he creates. The final lines, 'Sorry to say but you're not the only one / You're not the lonely one that turned my light on / While I turned yours off,' suggest a cycle of violence and destruction that the protagonist perpetuates, leaving a trail of broken lives in his wake.