Meaning of "It's Not A Fashion Statement, It's A Deathwish" by My Chemical Romance

The lyrics of "It's Not A Fashion Statement, It's A Deathwish" delve into themes of revenge, resilience, and remembrance. The song opens with a sense of reciprocity, as the narrator suggests that the person they address will face consequences for their actions or what they plan to do. There is an underlying message that everyone faces the consequences of their actions, which is echoed in the repeated line, "You get what everyone else gets, you get a lifetime."

The song then shifts to a specific memory or encounter between the narrator and the person they are addressing. There is a mention of the hardships that were discussed, with the implication that those hardships have indeed become a reality. The narrator expresses that they have been holding on for a long time, implying a sense of endurance and determination.

The line "Promise me that when I'm gone you'll kill my enemies" suggests a desire for revenge even after death, highlighting a deep-seated longing for justice. The narrator acknowledges the temporary wounds that have been inflicted upon them, portraying a sense of pain and vulnerability but also emphasizing that these wounds are not permanent.

The chorus signifies a return from the dead and a resolve to take back what was stolen. This could be interpreted both literally, as a revenge plot against the person being addressed, and figuratively, as reclaiming their own life and freedom from the influence of the other person. There is a strong sense of determination and defiance in these lines.

The following verses touch on the struggles and emotions experienced by the narrator. The mention of talking and the possibility of being killed in their sleep exposes a sense of trust and vulnerability, as well as the potential for betrayal. The line "lay still like the dead, from the razor to the rosary" juxtaposes images of self-inflicted harm and religion, contrasting pain with potential salvation.

The lyrics then shift to the idea of losing oneself and transforming surroundings through rage or passion. The mention of painting walls in "pitchfork red" conveys a sense of violence and intensity. The phrase "I will avenge my ghost with every breath I take" further emphasizes the theme of revenge and the determination to overcome whatever has been done to them.

The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the desire to take back what was lost and the persistence of the narrator's intentions. The lyrics then take on a more reflective tone, discussing the hardships faced in life and the inevitability of falling apart. The mention of leaves changing in color symbolizes the passage of time and the impermanence of everything.

The final lines of the song express a longing to be with the person they address, even in death. There is a sense of acceptance and a release from the fear of falling. The repeated phrase "I will be with you" showcases a yearning for connection beyond the limits of life and a desire for lasting remembrance.