People = Shit

Slipknot's 'People = Shit' is a visceral, aggressive song that encapsulates the band's signature nu-metal sound and their penchant for confronting dark and controversial themes. The lyrics express a profound sense of disillusionment and alienation, with a recurring theme of misanthropy and self-awareness of one's own flaws. The song's title itself is a blunt equation that sets the tone for the raw and unfiltered message that follows.

The opening lines introduce the listener to a character who is both desensitized and defiant, too 'fucked to beg and not afraid to care.' This character seems to be grappling with the chaos of life ('calamity') and the frustration of being misunderstood or dismissed. The aggressive delivery and explicit language serve to emphasize the intensity of the emotions being conveyed. The chorus, with its repeated declaration that 'People equal shit,' is a stark, nihilistic view of humanity, suggesting a world where the speaker feels surrounded by hypocrisy, betrayal, or general malevolence.

Throughout the song, there is a sense of struggle against societal expectations and a refusal to conform. The lyrics 'I'm not like you, I just fuck up' and 'Everybody has to die' reflect a resignation to imperfection and the inevitability of death. The confrontational stance, 'I am not afraid of you,' and the claim 'I'm everything you'll never be' suggest a rebellious spirit, fighting against the pressures and judgments of others. The song can be seen as an anthem for those who feel marginalized or who reject societal norms, and it resonates with listeners who share a sense of frustration with the status quo.