The Misfits disbanded in 1983, and Glenn Danzig went on to form Samhain and then Danzig. Several albums of reissued and previously unreleased material were issued after the group's dissolution, and their music later became influential to punk rock, heavy metal, and alternative rock. After a series of legal battles with Danzig, Only and Doyle regained the rights to record and perform as the Misfits. They formed a new version of the band in 1995 with singer Michale Graves and drummer Dr. Chud. This incarnation of Misfits had more of a heavy metal sound, and released the albums American Psycho (1997) and Famous Monsters (1999) before dissolving in 2000. Jerry Only then took over lead vocals and recruited former Black Flag guitarist Dez Cadena and former Ramones drummer Marky Ramone for a Misfits 25th anniversary tour.
This lineup released an album of cover songs titled Project 1950 and toured for several years. In 2005, Marky was replaced by Robo, who had played with Black Flag in the early 1980s and had also previously been Misfits' drummer from 1982 to 1983. This lineup released a single titled "Land of the Dead" in 2009. The Misfits' lineup of Only, Cadena, and drummer Eric "Chupacabra" Arce released a new album titled The Devil's Rain in October 2011. In 2015, it was announced that Cadena would be taking a break from music after receiving a cancer diagnosis, and was replaced by Only's son Jerry Caiafa II, presented as Jerry Other. That same year Soulfly's Marc Rizzo joined the band, also playing guitar. He filled in for Cadena, before Caiafa would move on to become the sole guitarist for the band.
In September 2016, for the first time in 33 years, Danzig, Only, and Doyle reunited for two headlining shows as the Original Misfits at that year's edition of Riot Fest, along with drummer Dave Lombardo and second guitarist Acey Slade. The Original Misfits lineup continued performing sporadically through 2019.
Each incarnation of the Misfits has made use of horror film and science fiction film-inspired themes and imagery, with makeup, clothing, artwork, and lyrics drawn from B movies and television serials, many from the 1950s through 1970s. Musically the band are often recognized as progenitors of the horror punk and psychobilly subgenres and have drawn from punk rock, heavy metal, and 1950s rock and roll and rockabilly to inform their style. Rolling Stone describes them as "the archetypal horror-punk band of the late 1970s and early '80s", and they are considered icons in punk music and culture.
Crimson Ghost
Misfits Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know your every move behind this face
I have control over expendable slaves
When confrontation comes down to the wire
I'll use my cyclotrode and commence the fire
You're never gonna get me
You're never gonna get me
You're never gonna get me
Being followed, I get quick to the chase
I take my cyclotrode right out of the case
Atomic force electrocutes your motor
Leaving dead in flames I always escape
You're never gonna get me
You're never gonna get me
You're never gonna get me
I'm the crimson ghost
You're never gonna get me
You're never gonna get me
You're never gonna get me
I'm the crimson ghost
Never gonna get me
Never gonna get me
Never gonna get me
I'm the crimson ghost
Never gonna get me
I'm the crimson ghost
Never gonna get me
Never gonna get me
Never gonna get me
I'm the crimson ghost
Never gonna get me
I'm the crimson ghost
Never gonna get me
Never gonna get me
Never gonna get me
I'm the crimson ghost
Never gonna get me
I'm the crimson ghost
The lyrics to Misfits's "Crimson Ghost" depict a villainous figure with absolute control over his expendable slaves. The singer is in complete control of every move made behind the anonymous "face" he hides behind. We are told that when "confrontation comes down to the wire", the singer is not afraid to use his "cyclotrode" which can "commence the fire". The song suggests that the singer is difficult to catch and overcome. In the second verse, the singer claims that he is quick to chase and always has his cyclotrode at the ready. The device's "atomic force" is powerful enough to "electrocute your motor". The singer tells us that he will leave enemies "dead in flames" and always escape. Throughout the song, the singer repeats the line "You're never gonna get me", which punctuates his perceived invincibility.
The lyrics to "Crimson Ghost" are a classic example of a villain anthem. They depict a character with incredible power, control, and invulnerability. The singer is confident in his ability to evade and overpower his enemies. This confidence is conveyed through lyrics such as "You're never gonna get me" and "I'm the crimson ghost". The song's overall message is one of dominance and superiority. The singer is a force to be reckoned with, and those who oppose him are powerless.
Line by Line Meaning
Whoa
Expressing excitement or surprise
I know your every move behind this face
I can anticipate your every action and thought despite your appearance
I have control over expendable slaves
I have the power to manipulate those who are easily disposed of or replaceable
When confrontation comes down to the wire
When situations become critical and a decision must be made
I'll use my cyclotrode and commence the fire
I will activate my weapon and start the attack
Being followed, I get quick to the chase
If someone is tailing me, I will immediately go after them
I take my cyclotrode right out of the case
I retrieve my weapon from its container
Atomic force electrocutes your motor
The power of my weapon will shock and destroy your means of transportation
Leaving dead in flames I always escape
I leave destruction in my wake and always manage to evade capture
You're never gonna get me
I cannot be caught or stopped
I'm the crimson ghost
I am a menacing figure who cannot be defeated
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID CALABRESE, JERRY CAIAFA, MICHAEL C. EMANUEL, PAUL CAIAFA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind