The Chapeltown Rag

Slipknot's 'The Chapeltown Rag' is a visceral critique of modern society, particularly focusing on the pervasive influence of the internet and media. The song opens with a call to 'Read all about it,' a phrase reminiscent of old newspaper hawkers, but here it serves as a cynical invitation to consume the curated and often misleading information that dominates online spaces. The lyrics suggest that everything online is treated as divine truth, yet it is 'as evil as it gets,' highlighting the paradox of our digital age where misinformation and sensationalism reign supreme.

The song delves into the psychological and societal impacts of this digital landscape. Lines like 'Get infected by a vertical event' and 'Nobody wants the proof, they want a number' underscore how people are more interested in sensational headlines and viral content than in seeking the truth. The imagery of 'vessels burst, veins release' and 'scalpel and then you scalp 'em to fucking death' paints a gruesome picture of the lengths to which people will go for attention and validation online. This is further emphasized by the repeated notion that 'we can't decide what is left of our right to silence our remains,' suggesting a loss of control over personal and collective narratives.

The chorus, with its haunting lines 'We don't deny what is wrong with our lives' and 'Hollow as a breath, the further you dive,' speaks to the internal emptiness and disillusionment that many feel in this hyperconnected yet isolating world. The song's climax, 'When everything is God online, nothing is,' serves as a powerful indictment of the hollow nature of digital worship and the erosion of genuine human connection. Slipknot uses their signature aggressive style to not only convey their message but to also evoke the chaos and confusion that characterize contemporary life.