Meaning of "Tourniquet" by Marilyn Manson

"Tourniquet" delves into the darker aspects of human relationships, examining self-destructive tendencies and the need for pain and punishment. The lyrics depict a deformed figure made of hair, bone, and teeth, representing a distorted archetype of a romantic partner. The protagonist refers to their love as wrapped in foil, symbolizing preservation but acknowledging that it can still decay like a corpse. This could suggest a fear of the deterioration of love and relationships. The image of flies laying eggs represents the parasitic nature of destructive thoughts and behaviors, underscoring the inevitability of decay and the cycle of pain. The chorus portrays a desire to be a victim and serve as a tourniquet for someone else's hatred, possibly reflecting a need for external punishment or validation. The distorted love and desire for pain are further emphasized by the references to prosthetic synthesis, butterfly sealed with virgin stitch, and preserving innocence, conjuring images of artificiality and sealing wounds to maintain a twisted ideal of purity. Overall, the lyrics of "Tourniquet" explore the complex interplay between love, pain, self-destruction, and the longing for validation through suffering.