Meaning of "American Psycho" by Misfits

Digging deeper into the meaning of the lyrics, "American Psycho" portrays a disturbed individual embracing their violent nature and relishing in the suffering of others. The opening lines, "Inside a wall street mind a psycho lurks, Lines of cocaine cut in hell," paint a vivid image of the twisted mindset of this psychopath, suggesting that their derangement might stem from the corrupt and materialistic nature of society. The phrase "obsessive hands gently grab your neck" represents the desire for control and domination over another person's life, while the mention of "sex puts me in the mood to make you die" reflects a sadistic pleasure derived from harming others in a sexual context.

The repetition of the line "I hate people!" indicates a deep-rooted misanthropy and a general disdain towards society. This individual sees humanity as a source of frustration, perhaps perceiving others as shallow, superficial, or morally corrupt. The repeated mantra also suggests a certain detachment from humanity, as the speaker's violent tendencies and lack of empathy set them apart from the rest of society.

The chorus lines "Go! - A machine of penalty, Go! - The sweet insanity, Go! - Fade to black tranquility" express a desire for a relentless pursuit of violence and chaos. The speaker revels in the idea of being a machine designed to cause harm and finds a perverse sense of enjoyment in the chaos and destruction they inflict. The phrase "fade to black tranquility" may suggest that the act of killing or causing harm brings a sense of inner peace or serenity to the protagonist, fulfilling their darker desires.

By referring to themselves as an "American psycho," the song seems to critique or comment on American culture and its potential to breed violence and deviant behavior. The phrase implies that there is something inherently American about this deranged mindset, drawing a connection between the individual's violent tendencies and the country in which they exist.

Ultimately, "American Psycho" delves into the disturbing psyche of a violent and hateful individual, highlighting the inner workings of a disturbed mind driven by a sadistic need for control and the desire to inflict harm. The lyrics provoke thoughts about the darker aspects of human nature, the potential influence of societal factors on one's mindset, and the consequences of unchecked violence and hatred.