Released: 2014
Slipknot’s ‘Custer’ is a powerful, raw expression of anger and frustration, railing against societal norms and the ignorance of the masses. The song captures the band’s signature aggressive style, and the lyrics reflect a deep dissatisfaction with the world and its injustices.
In the opening lines, the song sets a defiant tone. The singer feels half alive, trapped in a world that seems to be against him. He’s tired of the constant interruptions and the aggression he faces. The reference to a gun and the pettiness of people is a metaphor for how trivial issues can escalate into serious conflicts.
The chorus ‘Cut, cut, cut me up and fuck, fuck, fuck me up’ is a raw expression of the singer’s feelings of being torn apart by society’s expectations and norms. It’s a call to arms, a challenge to the world to do its worst because he’s ready to fight back.
The lines ‘anything exceptional gets crushed by common people’ and ‘this planet isn’t special, collections made of clay’ express the singer’s belief that society tends to suppress individuality and uniqueness. He feels that the world is full of common evils like jealousy and ignorance, and that it’s only a matter of time before he faces punishment for standing out.
In the second verse, the singer shares a profound realization he had while reading graffiti on a toilet wall. The lines ‘You form a line to formalize the former lies’ suggest that society often perpetuates false narratives, and people blindly follow them. The singer fights against these lies because he understands their destructive power.
The repeated line ‘Irreverence is my disease’ underscores the singer’s rebellious nature. He’s a non-conformist who challenges societal norms and expectations. The phrase ‘The last man standing gets no pity’ suggests that he’s prepared to stand alone in his fight, even if it means receiving no sympathy or support.
The song ends with the repeated chorus, reinforcing the singer’s defiance and determination to resist societal pressures. The song ‘Custer’ is a rallying cry for those who feel marginalized and misunderstood, encouraging them to stand up and fight against the status quo.
