Meaning of "Cut Up Angels" by The Used

"Cut Up Angels" delves into the dark and dysfunctional elements of a relationship. The opening lines, "If we cut out the bad, well then we'd have nothing left," suggest that the relationship is inherently flawed and reliant on the negativity that exists between the two individuals involved. The violent imagery of cutting up the other person's mouth and stabbing them to death showcases the extreme measures the narrator is willing to go to assert control and dominance. The line "If we go at the same time, they'll clean up the mess" implies a shared destructive tendency that both parties are aware of but choose to ignore.

The second verse introduces a juxtaposition between innocence and corrupted beauty through the mention of rose petals. The narrator initially associates rose petals with purity but then associates them with the abuse suffered by the other person. This highlights the narrator's distorted perception of love and the cycle of abuse within the relationship.

The repetition of "I lost my head, you couldn't come" and "This lust to my brain almost feels like a gun" conveys the intensity of the desire the narrator has for the other person. The reference to lust being comparable to a gun suggests a dangerous and potentially deadly infatuation. This insinuates that their craving for each other is not healthy and borders on obsession. The line "I told the angels, can't stay in heaven, I asked the devil" portrays the narrator's rejection of traditional notions of good and evil, further emphasizing their tumultuous relationship.

Overall, "Cut Up Angels" explores themes of violence, manipulation, and the toxic dynamics within a relationship. It sheds light on the destructive tendencies that can arise when love becomes distorted and the longing for someone takes on dangerous proportions.