Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: goth
Song Meaning of “Wicked Man (Alt)” by Ghoultown
‘Wicked Man (Alt)’ tells the story of a troubled protagonist whose struggles with their own wickedness. The song paints a vivid, unsettling picture of this person’s life as they try desperately to overcome their destructive impulses. The song speaks to the universal experience of struggling with darkness, of trying to make peace with the demons within.
The lyrics reveal that our protagonist is not a villain or monster, but a complex person beset by similar inner conflicts as the rest of us: “Mama told me I’d be alright, but I never listened to her good advice, ’cause I’m wicked, I’m wicked, and wicked I’ll always remain.”
The chorus of the song reveals the protagonist’s realization of their situation and may even reflect a moment of catharsis: “Oh, wicked man, why can’t you understand, how life can be, when you let it be, just leave it alone.” This is a plea for the listener to accept their own darkness, and to find solace and strength in it.
Ultimately, ‘Wicked Man (Alt)’ is a song of redemption, hope, and ultimately, understanding. It speaks of the courage needed to confront our inner demons and to take ownership of our most difficult emotions.