It is interesting how grammar can make a difference. During 2 sections of the song, the placement of a period or comma makes the difference between subject and object. I always heard this as "killer, intruder, homicidal man, if you see me coming run fast as you can." That is, Mustaine pictures himself as the killer, who is stalking evil people. This happens again in the line, "I seek to dismember a sadist fiend." Depends on whether or not there is a comma in the middle there. It is a little clearer in the line, "Deviant defilers, you're next to be dead." Of course, the serial killer motif may be a metaphor for God (or Satan's) judgement. Mustaine has always written eloquently about good and evil. Even when he is the perpetrator of wrong, there are consequences (see "Wake Up Dead.") There are several songs on "Peace Sells" that are almost absurd in their ambiguity. I think this song is pretty clear.
It is interesting how grammar can make a difference. During 2 sections of the song, the placement of a period or comma makes the difference between subject and object. I always heard this as "killer, intruder, homicidal man, if you see me coming run fast as you can." That is, Mustaine pictures himself as the killer, who is stalking evil people. This happens again in the line, "I seek to dismember a sadist fiend." Depends on whether or not there is a comma in the middle there. It is a little clearer in the line, "Deviant defilers, you're next to be dead." Of course, the serial killer motif may be a metaphor for God (or Satan's) judgement. Mustaine has always written eloquently about good and evil. Even when he is the perpetrator of wrong, there are consequences (see "Wake Up Dead.") There are several songs on "Peace Sells" that are almost absurd in their ambiguity. I think this song is pretty clear.