The Hands of Small Children
Marilyn Manson Lyrics


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La la la la la

Ring around the rosies
Pocket full of posies
Taste the hands of children
Happiness of children

Death lies in little hands of children
La la la la la





Overall Meaning

Marilyn Manson's song The Hands of Small Children is a haunting yet introspective track that speaks to the nature of innocence and corruptibility. The lyrics, in particular, are striking in their juxtaposition of macabre imagery with a childlike melody. The opening verse, "Ring around the rosies, pocket full of posies," is a reference to the nursery rhyme that has been associated with the Black Plague. Manson's adaptation of the rhyme is filled with a sense of dread, as he sings "Death lies in little hands of children" after imploring the listener to "Taste the hands of children."


The song explores the idea of childhood innocence and how it can be corrupted by the darker elements of society. The idea of childhood innocence being corrupted by outside forces is further emphasized in the album's art direction, where Manson is depicted holding a baby's head in his lap. The track sends a powerful message about our societal perception of children and underscores the importance of preserving their purity and innocence.


Line by Line Meaning

La la la la la
A meaningless chant that sets the eerie tone of the song


Ring around the rosies
Referencing a nursery rhyme about the bubonic plague and the inevitable cycle of life and death


Pocket full of posies
Holding onto something that is meant to ward off death or sickness, but ultimately is futile


Taste the hands of children
A disturbing reference to consuming innocence and youth for one's own happiness or gain


Happiness of children
A juxtaposition of the pure and innocent joy of childhood with the corrupt and selfish desires of adulthood


Death lies in little hands of children
The danger and evil inherent in even the smallest and seemingly harmless aspects of youth, and the role of society in perpetuating it


La la la la la
Repeating the meaningless chant in a haunting manner, emphasizing the disturbing nature of the song




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Marilyn Manson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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