Killing for Company

Awesome song.

It was based on a man so lonely he killed young men for company. Sad, creepy.

To expand on whats been said...Dennis Nilsen was a homosexual, who would lure young men/boys back to his place and strangle them to death. He would then keep the corpses, have sex with them, bathe them and prop them up in his house as if they were watching tv etc with him...Literally, killing for company.

I'm pleased that out of all Swans songs, this one got the most comments (Two?! But still...)

I connected with this song when I was at a strange moment in my life. Far from home, in bed with a stranger, and thinking all kinds of strange and scattershot thoughts about existence, love, suffering, et cetera. Swans have been one of those bands to me that didn't just write songs with clear cut "messages"...more like dark snapshots of abstract but very palpable emotions with lulls and climaxes (Which is why this band doesn't have too many people guessing the "meanings" on this site, I fear). I love Swans so much. There may never be another like them.

Good point, Israfel.

Cynothoglys, how do you know all this shit? Nonetheless, I'm really glad you're commenting on alot of these swans songs (and some of the coil ones too I might add).

There's a part missing in the lyrics: "I know we'll live again Though it's just a feeling I know we'll never end Like there was no beginning I know it's cold tonight I'll kiss your velvet skin I know we'll never end I'll keep you company" .

although people here are saying it was inspired by a serial killer, it still gives me another vision, for me this song might be about someone lost who'd do absolutely anything (sometimes very very dangerous stuff) just to have company, this is why i relate to it on the highest level, i was and am the same; when i moved into a bigger city, the capital of Iran. i felt the most isolated amongst the mass of the crowds. i wanted every human being to be mine. for me to be able to manipulate them the way i wanted because i needed company. now i've got too many friends and acquaintances all around the city. im used to walking miles from leaving a friend and joining another almost every day so i wouldnt have to taste my ever growling loneliness and emptiness. falsely accusing the others with the same title, wanting to give everyone the love nobody has given me has left me with an even deeper empty black hole inside my heart and mind...

M. Gira was inspired by the serial killer/necrophile Dennis Nilsen. There is actually a book by the same name, I remember reading it as a teenager. I highly recommend it if you are into that sort of thing.

wow. this song is really something ...

I read about this. I like the music.

why no one comments on swans? no one seems to even know that band!