Tourniquet

Marilyn Manson's 'Tourniquet' is a song that delves into the depths of emotional pain and the complexities of a toxic relationship. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels dehumanized and objectified, likening their partner to a creature made of 'hair and bone and little teeth,' which suggests a sense of danger and discomfort. The imagery of a 'crippled plaything' with a 'spine is just a string' further emphasizes the vulnerability and manipulation experienced within this relationship.

The chorus of the song, 'Take your hatred out on me / Make your victim my head / You never ever believed in me / I am your tourniquet,' speaks to the idea of being used as an emotional crutch or a means to stop the bleeding in someone else's life. A tourniquet is typically used to apply pressure to a wound to prevent excessive bleeding, and in this context, it symbolizes the speaker's role in the other person's life as something or someone that is used to deal with pain or problems, albeit in a harmful or suffocating way.

Manson's music often explores themes of alienation, despair, and societal issues, and 'Tourniquet' is no exception. The song's dark and brooding tone, coupled with its metaphorical language, creates a haunting portrayal of a relationship where one person feels consumed and trapped. The repeated plea, 'I never, ever believed in me / I am your tourniquet,' underscores a loss of self-worth and identity, a common feeling in abusive or one-sided relationships.