Meaning of "Vicious Rumours" by Alice Cooper

The lyrics of "Vicious Rumours" by Alice Cooper delve into the paranoia and anxiety that can come from feeling like you are constantly being scrutinized and talked about behind your back. The imagery of a knife being stuck in your back and twisting, along with the feeling of burning up and turning black, creates a visceral sense of dread and helplessness. The references to feeling like your blood should be Novocaine, or wishing for relief from the pain, suggest a desire to numb oneself to the harsh realities of the world. The constant drumming rhythm, paranoia, and fear described in the song reflect a sense of unease and confusion, with the narrator feeling like they are losing touch with reality. The recurring theme of vicious rumors and paranoic fears drives home the idea of being consumed by outside perception and unable to escape the suffocating feeling of being constantly watched and judged. The final repetition of "Who do you think we are, we don't care" could be interpreted as a defiant declaration of independence from the opinions of others, or a reflection of the narrator's descent into madness where they no longer care about how they are perceived. Overall, the lyrics of "Vicious Rumours" paint a haunting picture of the psychological toll of living in a world where one is constantly under scrutiny.