Pumpkin Head

The song 'Pumpkin Head' by Misfits tells a chilling story of vengeance and supernatural horror. The narrative begins with a man named Ed, who tragically finds his son dead after leaving him alone for a moment. This devastating loss propels Ed into a dark quest for revenge, guided by a tale from his childhood about an evil witch with the power to avenge the dead. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Ed's desperation and the lengths he is willing to go to bring justice to his son's death.

Ed seeks the help of a farmer, whose son knows the location of the witch. Despite the boy's reluctance to enter the witch's domain, Ed is determined to proceed. The witch, embodying the archetype of a malevolent crone, offers Ed a grim solution: she can grant him the power to avenge his son's death, but at the cost of his soul. This Faustian bargain is a central theme in the song, highlighting the moral and spiritual consequences of seeking revenge through dark means.

The transformation of Ed into 'Pumpkinhead' symbolizes the consuming nature of vengeance. The witch's curse turns Ed into a monstrous figure, driven by an insatiable desire for retribution. The repeated warnings to 'keep away from Pumpkinhead' underscore the destructive and unforgiving nature of this path. The song's haunting lyrics and dark themes are characteristic of Misfits' style, blending horror and punk rock to create a powerful narrative that explores the depths of human emotion and the supernatural.