This song seemingly tackles the methods of deception those who manipulate others use to get victims to follow their demands, as well as diverting attention away from important issues. They'll also use it as a means to convince people to hate or kill others by pretending acts of terrorism were committed by the enemy when the acts themselves were done by the masters of control to promote discrimination and hate. It also reinforces the idea that these manipulative forces operate in various locations, infiltrating everyday life without detection, and propagate any and everywhere.
In general, it highlights the danger of hidden agendas, manipulation, and distraction, serving as a critique of those who exploit chaos and confusion to control and gain power, depicting a cautionary tale against falling into their traps. It encourages us to question the narratives presented to us and remain vigilant against manipulation in various parts of society.
Down where this ugly man
Seeks his sustenance
Down in the blue, midnight flare
A glass hand cuts through the water
Scything into his twisted roots
Then from his eyes
Spring fireflies
Breathing life
Into a roaring disguise
Needles & Sins, Sins & Needles
He's gasping for air
In the wishing well
Dust to rust, ashes on gashes
Hand around the killing jar
A soft hoodwink of shadows
The size of make-believe
Punching through his spike of rage
A glass hand cuts through the water
Snuffing out the magic fury
Then from inside
Bolt lightening cries
Swiftly crushed
The final, muffled sighs
Needles & Sins, Sins & Needles
He's gasping for air
In the wishing well
Dust to rust, ashes on gashes
Hand around the killing jar
Hand around the killing jar
Hand around the killing jar
Seeks his sustenance
Down in the blue, midnight flare
A glass hand cuts through the water
Scything into his twisted roots
Then from his eyes
Spring fireflies
Breathing life
Into a roaring disguise
Needles & Sins, Sins & Needles
He's gasping for air
In the wishing well
Dust to rust, ashes on gashes
Hand around the killing jar
A soft hoodwink of shadows
The size of make-believe
Punching through his spike of rage
A glass hand cuts through the water
Snuffing out the magic fury
Then from inside
Bolt lightening cries
Swiftly crushed
The final, muffled sighs
Needles & Sins, Sins & Needles
He's gasping for air
In the wishing well
Dust to rust, ashes on gashes
Hand around the killing jar
Hand around the killing jar
Hand around the killing jar
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“Plastic Bag” is a song about searching for an escape from personal problems and hoping to find it in the lively atmosphere of a Saturday night party. Ed Sheeran tells the story of his friend and the myriad of troubles he is going through. Unable to find any solutions, this friend seeks a last resort in a party and the vanity that comes with it.
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"A killing jar is a device used by butterfly collectors to contain and ultimately kill their specimen. The use of the word killing jar in the song is used as a metaphor for controlled violence. An emotional relationship snuffed out until it is merely a prized possession or keep sake."
According to Siouxsie, the song was inspired by a technique used by butterfly collectors to keep the beauty of the animal.
How does this song have no comments on it yet? Siouxsie and The Banshees are at their best on this song.
At first, I thought this song was about heroin abuse, and it seemed to make a lot of sense to me, having gone through that myself. I do know however that Siouxsie loathes junkies (referring to them as 'boring' in one interview, if my memeory serves me well), so I kind of doubt that she would write a song about one. I've heard somewhere ( forget where) that it is actually about black magic/witchcraft, although I don't see the connection quite as easily.
@Manntikos Firstly, congratulations on getting over your drug abuse. There is no question this is what the song refers to; "Needles & Sins, Sins & Needles<br /> He's gasping for air<br /> In the wishing well" "Dust to rust, ashes on gashes<br /> Hand around the killing jar" what a song. Still love it.
Loveless your correct. The video was interesting.
All about partying and trying to preserve that precious high...and how ugly that can be. Sins and needles- yes its addiction. The killing jar is for butterflies but its the bottle of beer you're holding!
The hunter becomes the hunted as the tables are turned. Now it's he who gets to suffocate in silent screams His own lack of empathy becomes his torment The suffering he fed off of Now feeds on him
There seems to be several lyrical references to the works of Sylvia Plath with The Killing Jar being a reference to The Bell Jar by Plath. The song has the vibe and the anger that Plath expresses in her poetry about the suffocating power of male-domanted society. Also, the fakeness of her husband Ted Hughes who arguably abandoned Plath which helped lead to her deterioration and suicide.
When it first came out, I had heard that it's an anti-abortion song but I don't remember where/who I heard this from. The lyrics are so vague that I suppose it can mean that if you are looking for something deeper than the literal interpretation.