Valentine's Day

Marilyn Manson's song 'Valentine's Day' is a haunting exploration of love, death, and the macabre. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a world where beauty and horror coexist, starting with the line 'She was the color of TV,' which suggests a lifeless, artificial quality. The imagery of a 'metal snake' and the reference to 'Holy Wood' evoke a sense of decay and corruption, setting the stage for a narrative that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. The mention of Valentine's Day, typically a celebration of love, is subverted to highlight themes of loss and despair.

The recurring phrase 'In the shadow of the Valley of Death' serves as a powerful metaphor for the omnipresence of mortality. This biblical reference, combined with the graphic imagery of slitting wrists and sending souls to heaven, underscores the song's preoccupation with death and the afterlife. The line 'The first flower after the flood' introduces a glimmer of hope or rebirth, but it is quickly overshadowed by the grim reality that follows. The song suggests that even in moments of potential renewal, darkness is never far away.

The verse about the pregnant girl who is unaware of the death inside her is particularly poignant. It speaks to the idea that life and death are intertwined, and that some are 'really born to die.' This fatalistic view is a recurring theme in Manson's work, reflecting his fascination with the darker aspects of human existence. The 'flies waiting' symbolize decay and the inevitability of death, reinforcing the song's somber tone. Through its stark and unsettling imagery, 'Valentine's Day' challenges listeners to confront the uncomfortable realities of love and mortality.