Beginning in the mid-1970s, Danzig's musical career has encompassed a number of genres through the years, including punk rock, heavy metal, industrial, blues and classical music. He has also written songs for other musicians, most notably Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison.
As a singer, Danzig is noted for his baritone voice and tenor vocal range; his style has been compared to those of Elvis Presley, Jim Morrison, and Howlin' Wolf. Danzig has also cited Bill Medley as a vocal influence.
Dirge of Defeat
Glenn Danzig Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Empty eyes
I see nothing new
Seasoned schemes of slimy curs
Offer up their flu
Am I beast or
Am I human
Am I just like you
Really reeling
Reaching out for you
Am I demon
You need to know
Faces of a million hells
Rage inside these veins
Pounding out desrved pain
To anyone in need
Am I beast or
Am I human
Am I just like you
Power seething
Really reeling
Reaching out for you
Am I demon
Need to know
??
Wo-oh, wo-oh
Am I demon
Need to know
??
Wo-oh, wo-oh
Every world
And every limb
Torn asunder base
Everything I need is me
Everything I am
Am I beast or
Am I human
Am I just like you
Power seething
Really reeling
Reaching out for you
Am I demon
You need to know
??
Wo-oh, wo-oh
Am I demon
Need to know
The lyrics to Glenn Danzig's song "Dirge of Defeat" describe a feeling of emptiness and desperation, with the singer questioning their own identity and place in the world. The use of the words "beast" and "human" suggest a struggle with one's own nature, while the repeated line "Am I demon, you need to know" adds a sense of foreboding, as if the singer is warning others about their own internal demons. The imagery of "faces of a million hells" and "pounding out deserved pain" adds to the overall feeling of darkness and despair.
Overall, the lyrics capture a sense of a person on the brink of losing control, struggling to come to terms with their own identity and place in the world. It's a powerful meditation on the human condition, and the ways in which our own internal struggles can leave us feeling lost and alone.
Line by Line Meaning
Hordes of faces
The abundance of people.
Empty eyes
Faces devoid of expression or emotion.
I see nothing new
Things that are repetitive in nature which he has seen before.
Seasoned schemes of slimy curs
Plans of despicable people who are well-experienced in their actions.
Offer up their flu
Presenting something unpleasant or negative.
Am I beast or
Questioning whether he is an animal.
Am I human
Questioning whether he is a person.
Am I just like you
Asking if he is the same as the listener.
Power seething
Intense emotion stirred up within him.
Really reeling
Overwhelmed or spinning in confusion.
Reaching out for you
Seeking for help or connection from someone.
Am I demon
Questioning if he is an evil spirit.
You need to know
Suggesting that the listener should be aware of his condition.
Faces of a million hells
Referring to people who have gone through terrible experiences.
Rage inside these veins
Strong anger within him.
Pounding out desrved pain
Inflicting pain upon those who he believes deserve it.
To anyone in need
No one is safe from his anger.
Every world
Every possible universe or reality.
And every limb
Every part of him.
Torn asunder base
Everything he knows has been shattered.
Everything I need is me
He only needs himself to survive.
Everything I am
This is his true self.
Need to know
Has to be aware of this fact.
Wo-oh, wo-oh
A musical interlude or chorus.
Contributed by Cameron A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.