Meaning of "Human Target" by Six Feet Under

The lyrics of "Human Target" delve into the dark and brutal side of human existence, exploring the instinctual drive for survival in violent circumstances. The repeated line "I live to die, that's why I was born" suggests a nihilistic perspective on life, where the ultimate purpose is to meet a violent end. The narrator acknowledges the harsh reality of a kill-or-be-killed mindset, accepting that violence is the law of the land, and those who stand tall and face their fears have a better chance of survival.

The imagery of being scared, beaten, and mistreated reinforces the theme of violence, but also highlights the resilience of the narrator. Despite the physical and emotional torment they endure, they refuse to back down or run away, gripping their gun tight and ready to fight for their life. This displays a determination and a refusal to become a victim, embodying the survival instinct that resides within us all.

The chorus, with its repetition of "human target," serves as a bleak reminder that in a violent world, anyone can become a target. It reflects the sense of vulnerability and the constant threat of danger that permeate the narrator's existence. The repeated phrase "live through the violence, I'm just surviving, there's no way to end this" suggests a resignation to the perpetuation of violence, as if it is an inescapable cycle that one must endure. The lines "one more dead, one survives, instinct to live, I won't die" speak to the primal instinct for self-preservation, a refusal to succumb to the violence but instead to persist against all odds.

Ultimately, "Human Target" presents a grim portrayal of a world where violence and survival go hand in hand. It explores the lengths to which one will go to protect oneself and the unyielding instinct to live, even in the face of constant danger and brutality.