The Meaning Behind The Song: S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W by My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance is a band that made its mark on the music industry for its singularity and expressiveness. Their music combines punk, rock, and alternative genres to create a distinct sound that perfectly matches with their lyrics. One of their most famous songs is “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W,” released in 2010 from their album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys. This song spurs many theories among the band’s fans, as it has a rich and evocative meaning.
The song speaks of a character nicknamed “Scarecrow,” who embodies an enigmatic and somewhat ominous persona throughout the lyrics. Gerard Way, the band’s lead singer and songwriter, wrote the song during a period when he was struggling to stay true to himself, both personally and professionally, in the face of external pressures. In this article, we will go over the meaning behind the song “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” by My Chemical Romance.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” are incredibly complex and difficult to decipher. However, it seems that the song is about a character named Scarecrow, who lives in a dystopian future. The song starts with the lyrics, “Move your body when the sunlight dies,” which sets the tone of the song. It’s also essential to mention the chorus of the song:
“Sometimes I think I’m dead
‘Cause I can feel ghosts and ghouls wrapping my head
But I don’t wanna fall asleep just yet
(Oh, oh)”
These lines are among the most haunting in the song and seem to suggest that the character of Scarecrow is dealing with some significant psychological issues. The chorus is particularly compelling as Way sings about feeling like he is dead, while ghosts and ghouls wrap his head. This is a chilling image, and it seems to convey that Scarecrow is overwhelmed and consumed by negative thoughts and feelings.
The Message Behind the Song
The song “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” appears to be about staying true to oneself, even in the face of challenges and external pressures. Gerard Way has stated that the song is about overcoming one’s fear of failure and rejection. The character named Scarecrow is symbolic of these challenges and obstacles. The song encourages the listener to accept themselves and not to be afraid of expressing their true feelings, no matter how others may perceive them.
The Music Video
The music video for “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” is an extension of the song’s dystopian and apocalyptic feel, which takes place in a world where corporations have taken over all aspects of life. The music video continues to tell the story of Scarecrow, who is portrayed as a resistance fighter and agent of change. The video is an excellent representation of the band’s style and approach to their music, as it incorporates elements of art, storytelling, and music.
Conclusion
“S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” is a song that captures the soul and essence of My Chemical Romance. The band has managed to create a stirring and evocative song that speaks to the challenges and fears that we all face in life. The track encourages the listener to embrace themselves and to never give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult things may get.
FAQs
What inspired Gerard Way to write this song?
Gerard Way has stated that the song is about overcoming one’s fear of failure and rejection. This is a personal issue that Gerard Way himself has struggled with, and he wrote the song as a means of coping with these feelings. The character named Scarecrow is symbolic of these challenges and obstacles.
What does the song title “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” mean?
The title of the song is significant as it spells out the word “scarecrow” using acronyms. The meaning behind this is not entirely clear, although it could represent the fragmented, dystopian world the song portrays.
What is the message behind the song?
The song encourages the listener to accept themselves and not to be afraid of expressing their true feelings, no matter how others may perceive them. The song is about staying true to oneself, even in the face of challenges and external pressures.
What is the meaning behind the chorus of the song?
The chorus suggests that the character of Scarecrow is dealing with some significant psychological issues. Way sings about feeling like he is dead while ghosts and ghouls wrap his head, which seems to convey that Scarecrow is overwhelmed and consumed by negative thoughts and feelings.
What role do corporations play in the song and music video?
In the music video, corporations have taken over all aspects of life. This represents the oppressive forces that Scarecrow is fighting against. It also serves to highlight the dangers of corporations becoming too powerful and controlling.
What is the significance of the line “Move your body when the sunlight dies”?
This line sets the tone for the song and suggests that the world the character of Scarecrow lives in is a dark and dystopian one. It also seems to imply that the character remains resilient and active despite the challenging circumstances they face.
What role does Scarecrow play in the song?
Scarecrow represents the challenges and obstacles that we all face in life. The song encourages the listener to overcome their fear of failure and rejection and to stay true to themselves, as Scarecrow does in the song.
What is the significance of the hazy, dreamlike quality of the song and music video?
The hazy, dreamlike quality of the song and music video contributes to the dystopian, fragmented world that the song portrays. It also serves to highlight the fragile, dreamlike quality of Scarecrow’s existence, which is threatened by external forces.
What is the central theme of the song?
The central theme of the song is staying true to oneself, even in the face of challenges and external pressures. The song encourages the listener to embrace themselves and to never give up on their dreams, no matter how difficult things may get.
What is unique about the song “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” in regard to My Chemical Romance’s discography?
“S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” is unique in that it presents a different sound than most of My Chemical Romance’s other songs. The song is slower and more ambient than most of their other music, which gives it a distinct and memorable quality.
Who directed the music video for “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W?”
The music video for “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” was directed by Roboshobo, who is known for his creative and visually striking music videos.
What emotions does the song “S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W” evoke in listeners?
The song evokes feelings of fear, vulnerability, and uncertainty, which are all emotions that the character of Scarecrow in the song feels. However, the song also evokes feelings of resilience and strength, as Scarecrow is ultimately able to overcome his challenges and stay true to himself.
What is the significance of the song’s placement on the album Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys?
The song is the fifth track on the album and serves as an essential moment of introspection and reflection for the listener. The album tells a vivid and detailed story which is brought together through the song’s ambiguous yet emotionally-driven lyrics. It helps the listeners understand and interpret the story behind the entire album.
