The Meaning Behind The Song: Unsainted by Slipknot
Slipknot is known for their aggressive and nihilistic sound, but their new single Unsainted shows a different side to the band. The song’s meaning has intrigued fans and music critics alike since its release in May of 2019. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the meaning behind the song, and explore what inspired Slipknot to create this powerful track.
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The Inspiration Behind The Song
Unsainted is the lead single from Slipknot’s sixth studio album, We Are Not Your Kind. The song was inspired by lead singer Corey Taylor’s lifelong struggle with religion and his search for personal meaning.
Taylor has spoken in interviews about his upbringing in a predominantly Christian area of Iowa, where he often felt ostracized for his different beliefs and lack of faith. He has described feeling disillusioned with organized religion as he got older, and looking for answers outside of traditional religious institutions.
In Unsainted, Taylor grapples with the idea of being judged by a higher power, and wonders if he has done enough in his life to be considered worthy of salvation. The song is a powerful expression of Taylor’s personal struggles with spirituality and morality, and it speaks to the universal human search for meaning and purpose.
The Lyrics of the Song
The lyrics of Unsainted are some of the most introspective and vulnerable that Slipknot has ever written. The song’s chorus is particularly striking, with Taylor singing:
“I’ll never kill myself to save my soul
I was gone but how was I to know?
I didn’t come this far to sink so low
I’m finally holding on to letting go”
This set of lines is a statement of defiance against the idea of blindly following religious doctrine in order to achieve salvation. Taylor is saying that he will never “kill himself” or sacrifice his own identity in order to conform to someone else’s idea of what is right or wrong. He is holding onto his own beliefs and finding freedom in letting go of the strictures of organized religion.
The verses of the song delve deeper into Taylor’s personal struggles with spirituality and morality. He questions whether he is doing enough to be considered worthy of salvation, and wonders if his past mistakes will prevent him from entering heaven. The song is a powerful expression of human doubt and vulnerability, and it resonates with people who are going through their own personal struggles with faith and meaning.
The Music Video
The music video for Unsainted is a stunning visual representation of the song’s themes. It features Slipknot performing in a church, with the band members dressed in their trademark masks and jumpsuits. The video also includes shots of a choir singing in a cathedral, intercut with footage of Taylor standing in a circle of fire.
The themes of spirituality and religion are carried throughout the video, with the imagery of the church and the choir. However, the video also incorporates elements of the darker side of religion, with images of fire and hell, as well as shots of people being baptized in a pool of black water.
The video is a stunning visual representation of the song’s themes, and it adds an extra layer of complexity to the already powerful lyrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the message of the song Unsainted?
The message of Unsainted is one of personal struggle and individuality. The song speaks to the universal experience of searching for meaning in life, and it encourages listeners to hold onto their own beliefs and find freedom in letting go of the strictures of organized religion.
What inspired Slipknot to write this song?
Unsainted was inspired by Corey Taylor’s lifelong struggles with religion and his search for personal meaning. Taylor has spoken in interviews about feeling disillusioned with organized religion as he got older, and looking for answers outside of traditional religious institutions.
What is the meaning behind the line “I’ll never kill myself to save my soul”?
This line is a statement of defiance against the idea of blindly following religious doctrine in order to achieve salvation. Taylor is saying that he will never “kill himself” or sacrifice his own identity in order to conform to someone else’s idea of what is right or wrong.
What is the significance of the music video’s imagery of fire and hell?
The imagery of fire and hell in the music video is a nod to the darker side of religion and spirituality. The video contrasts the traditional religious imagery of the church and the choir with more ominous images of fire and bodies being submerged in a pool of black water.
What is the reception of the song by audiences and critics?
Unsainted has received critical acclaim from music critics and has been praised for its powerful lyrics and introspective tone. The song has also been embraced by fans, who appreciate Slipknot’s willingness to explore more vulnerable themes in their music.
What is the significance of Slipknot filming the music video in a church?
The decision to film the music video for Unsainted in a church is significant because it adds an extra layer of symbolism to the song’s themes. The church is a traditional symbol of organized religion, and by filming in this setting, Slipknot is drawing attention to the themes of spirituality and personal struggle that are at the heart of the song.
What is the overall sound of the song?
Unsainted has a unique sound that mixes elements of rock, metal, and electronic music. The song features heavy guitar riffs and pounding drums, but it also incorporates electronic elements like distorted synths and atmospheric soundscapes.
What is the meaning behind the title of the song?
The title of the song is a reference to the idea of being judged and found wanting by a higher power. The song’s lyrics explore the idea of “unsainting” oneself by doubting one’s own worthiness for salvation, and the title is a nod to this theme.
Will Slipknot explore these themes further in their upcoming album?
We Are Not Your Kind, the album that Unsainted is featured on, continues to explore themes of personal struggle and spirituality. The album has been praised by critics and fans alike for its introspective tone and willingness to push the boundaries of what Slipknot is known for.
What is the significance of the choir in the music video?
The inclusion of a choir in the music video is significant because it adds an extra layer of complexity and symbolism to the song’s themes. The choir represents the traditional idea of religious salvation, but by featuring them in the same video as Slipknot, the video also suggests that there is room for individuality and unique expression within religious traditions.
What other Slipknot songs explore themes of spirituality and personal struggle?
Slipknot has always been known for their powerful and introspective lyrics, and many of their songs explore themes of personal struggle and spirituality. Some other notable songs that touch on these themes include Snuff, Vermilion, and The Devil In I.
What is the significance of the band members wearing their masks in the music video?
The masks worn by Slipknot have always been a significant part of the band’s identity, and they have been used to represent different themes and ideas throughout their career. In the music video for Unsainted, the masks add an extra layer of theatricality and symbolism to the song’s themes of personal struggle and spirituality.
What other artists explore themes of personal struggle and spirituality in their music?
Many other artists throughout history have explored themes of personal struggle and spirituality in their music. Some notable examples include Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Kanye West. These artists have all used their music to confront deeply personal and philosophical questions, and have created powerful and meaningful works of art in the process.
