Medicine for the Dead
Slipknot Lyrics


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What happens in the dark feels the way the blackout never does
Turning the gears, sharpen the blades of sheer terror, these fevered ones
Tell me the secret things, show me the bloody kings
Let's play a game where the winners always lose their heads

Time screams by, life is mine
Time screams by, life is-
Your condition is a symptom
We'll have to give you medicine for the dead (drink me)
Your condition is a symptom
We'll have to give you medicine for the dead (drink me)

Before it could begin the shooting stopped, the silence always comes
Now where do we go? Because you're walking the streets
It's no better (there's something wrong)
Pull at your privacy, a product of lunacy
Don't be surprised when the losers want to win the day again

Time screams by, life is mine
Time screams by, life is-

Your condition is a symptom we'll have to give you
Medicine for the dead (drink me)
Your condition is a symptom we'll have to give you
Medicine for the dead

Where does it end and tell me where does it go?
If evil exists, then only evil can know
When do we run and are they letting us in?
Where does it end and tell me where to begin?

Your condition is a symptom
We'll have to give you medicine for the dead (drink me)
Your condition is a symptom
We'll have to give you medicine for the dead (medicine for the dead)
Your condition is a symptom
We'll have to give you medicine for the dead (drink me)




Your condition is a symptom
We'll have to give you medicine for the dead (you'll have to drink me)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Slipknot's song "Medicine for the Dead" explore themes of darkness, terror, and the consequences of one's actions. The opening line, "What happens in the dark feels the way the blackout never does," suggests that the things done in secrecy and obscurity hold a different kind of intensity compared to the external events that may cause a blackout, perhaps hinting at inner turmoil and personal struggles.


The lyrics continue with the imagery of sharpening blades of sheer terror, reflecting a sense of danger and fear. The lines "Tell me the secret things, show me the bloody kings" suggest a desire to delve into the dark and forbidden, to explore hidden knowledge and the powerful individuals who inhabit that world.


The song mentions a game where the winners always lose their heads, indicating that even in situations of apparent victory, there are still negative consequences or sacrifices involved. This may parallel the idea that success often comes at a cost or that one's actions have lasting repercussions.


The chorus talks about a condition being a symptom and the need for medicine for the dead. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for a mental or emotional struggle that requires intervention or treatment. The concept of medicine for the dead suggests the need to address an issue that seems insurmountable or beyond repair.


Overall, "Medicine for the Dead" seems to explore the idea of darkness and the consequences of one's actions, delving into themes of secrecy, danger, and the need for intervention or healing.


Line by Line Meaning

What happens in the dark feels the way the blackout never does
The horrors and atrocities that occur in the darkness leave a lasting impact that cannot be compared to the mere absence of light.


Turning the gears, sharpen the blades of sheer terror, these fevered ones
Manipulating and honing the tools of extreme fear, reinforcing the intensity within those consumed by their own feverish thoughts.


Tell me the secret things, show me the bloody kings
Reveal the hidden truths and expose the violent rulers who thrive on bloodshed and chaos.


Let's play a game where the winners always lose their heads
Engage in a game where the victors are destined to face a gruesome demise, highlighting the futility of pursuing empty victories.


Time screams by, life is mine
Time passes relentlessly, emphasizing the fleeting nature of existence and asserting personal ownership over one's own life.


Your condition is a symptom
The state of your being is an indication or manifestation of a greater underlying issue.


We'll have to give you medicine for the dead (drink me)
To address your condition, we must provide a remedy meant for the deceased, metaphorically suggesting a desperate attempt to revive or restore what may be lost or damaged.


Before it could begin the shooting stopped, the silence always comes
Just as they say 'silence is deafening,' the abrupt cessation of violence brings an eerie quietness that is filled with its own unsettling presence.


Now where do we go? Because you're walking the streets
Feeling lost and uncertain about the next step, as you wander aimlessly through the urban landscape.


It's no better (there's something wrong)
The situation has not improved; in fact, there is a deeply rooted problem that is causing distress and unease.


Pull at your privacy, a product of lunacy
Invade and disturb the boundaries of your personal space, highlighting the disturbing nature of such intrusion and the deranged state from which it arises.


Don't be surprised when the losers want to win the day again
Expect the defeated and downtrodden to continuously strive for victory, even after experiencing repeated failures, demonstrating resilience and an unyielding spirit.


Where does it end and tell me where does it go?
Questioning the ultimate conclusion or outcome of a situation, pondering its trajectory and destination.


If evil exists, then only evil can know
Contemplating the existence of malevolent forces, acknowledging that true comprehension of such darkness can only be grasped by those who embody it.


When do we run and are they letting us in?
Determining the opportune moment to flee and questioning whether the oppressive forces will grant access or continue to obstruct.


Where does it end and tell me where to begin?
Seeking clarity on the conclusion of the current situation and seeking guidance on how to initiate the next phase or course of action.


We'll have to give you medicine for the dead (drink me)
Reiterating the need to administer a remedy intended for the deceased, underscoring the urgency and desperation in finding a solution to the inherent issues.


We'll have to give you medicine for the dead (medicine for the dead)
Reaffirming the necessity to provide a treatment designed for those who are no longer among the living, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.


Your condition is a symptom
The state of your being is an indication or manifestation of a greater underlying issue.


We'll have to give you medicine for the dead (drink me)
To address your condition, we must provide a remedy meant for the deceased, metaphorically suggesting a desperate attempt to revive or restore what may be lost or damaged.


Your condition is a symptom
The state of your being is an indication or manifestation of a greater underlying issue.


We'll have to give you medicine for the dead (you'll have to drink me)
Expressing the necessity for the individual to consume the remedy intended for the deceased, emphasizing their active participation in seeking resolution or relief.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alessandro Venturella, Corey Taylor, Shawn Crahan, Craig Jones, Mick Thomson, Greg Fidelman, Jim Root, Jay Weinberg, Sid Wilson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@slipknot

Thoughts? 👇

@historiasconelterricola5481

Perfect

@cristianxD100

Masterpiece!

@mr.dalton7461

Had to swap my pants 4 times just listening to this one song.

@sophknot

Amazing

@diegomencos7176

🔥🔥🔥🔥

503 More Replies...

@Nafebutuoy39

This album really is like a fine wine. Takes a bit to taste all the little hidden notes, and then blows you away when it comes together.

@blackmetalerik962

same with .5

@bochok5694

No, you just put up with an obviously weak album. You have no choice, so you listen.

@alwaysbarcelona457

One of rare bands i can listen to the entire discography without skiping a single song.

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