Purity

Slipknot's "Purity" is a visceral exploration of entrapment, both physical and psychological. The song's aggressive tone and dark lyrics reflect the band's nu-metal style, which often delves into themes of pain, anger, and alienation. The repeated cries of 'No!' at the beginning set a tone of defiance and desperation that carries throughout the song.

The lyrics paint a picture of someone trapped in a 'homemade cellar' or 'buried kennel,' which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the mind's own prisons. The protagonist feels overwhelmed ('Hands on my face overbearing, I can't get out'), suggesting a struggle with internal or external forces that stifle and control. The repeated line 'You all stare, but you'll never see' implies a disconnect between the protagonist and the outside world, highlighting a sense of isolation and being misunderstood. The 'something inside me' that others cannot see might represent an inner truth or purity that is not apparent to others, or perhaps a part of the self that is kept hidden due to fear or shame.

The song's title, 'Purity,' contrasts with the turmoil expressed in the lyrics, suggesting a yearning for innocence or clarity amidst chaos. The protagonist's assertion that there is 'something in you I despise' could be directed at those who judge without understanding, or it could be a reflection of self-loathing. The intense repetition of 'I can't die' towards the end of the song could signify a fight for survival, both literally and metaphorically, as the protagonist clings to the essence of their being—their purity—in the face of overwhelming adversity.