Your Child Is Dead
Off With Their Heads Lyrics

Off With Their Heads's song Your Child Is Dead is a poignant commentary on the lasting damage that bullying can inflict on children, particularly when it is perpetuated by parents who may not have dealt with their own trauma from childhood. The first verse highlights the irony of putting more security around a child who has suffered abuse instead of dealing with the root of the problem - the way they were raised. The song implies that repeating the same violent behaviors will only lead to a vicious cycle that leaves the next generation in deep emotional pain. The line “growing up as a dickhead yourself” emphasizes the fact that a child’s upbringing plays a pivotal role in shaping their personality, behavior and, ultimately, their mental health.

The chorus of the song repeats the sobering question “how many times can a little kid be called a fag before he’s lost his mind?” The use of the word “fag” is particularly jarring, but it underscores the way LGBTQ+ youth have often been targeted by bullies. The song implies that continued verbal abuse can have fatal consequences, as evidenced in the line “grabs a gun and turns it on you and then himself?” This reference to school shootings drives home the point that bullying can have ripple effects that extend beyond the immediate environment.

The bridge of the song juxtaposes the “dark and light” of the human experience. The lyrics acknowledge that while revenge and retaliation may seem appealing to a victim of bullying, it’s not the answer. However, the song also acknowledges that it’s challenging not to lash out when subjected to constant trauma, particularly when there is a power dynamic at play. The song ends by reiterating the opening verse’s point: “you’re teaching your kids to repeat what you did, growing up as a dickhead yourself.” It delivers a sobering reminder that one’s behavior echoes for generations to come.