Released: 2011
Features: Skrillex, Kill The Noise
“Narcissistic Cannibal (feat. Skrillex & Kill The Noise)” by Korn, featuring Skrillex and Kill The Noise, delves deep into the throes of a toxic relationship and the struggle for self-reclamation amidst personal turmoil. It’s a visceral journey set against the backdrop of Korn’s signature nu-metal sound, now intertwined with the electrifying energy of Skrillex and Kill The Noise’s production. The lyrics serve as a raw confession of the pain and the fight to break free from the cycle of destruction.
The opening lines, “Don’t wanna be sly and defile you / Desecrate my mind and rely on you”, immediately set the tone of the song—a declaration of wanting to break free from someone’s manipulative grasp. This sentiment of not wanting to stoop to the other person’s level, despite the mental toll the relationship takes, speaks volumes. The phrase “break this crown” symbolizes shedding a bestowed role or identity that weighs heavy, signifying a desire to escape a reigning position of misery.
The chorus hits with a stark, self-aware realization, “And you’re so cynical, narcissistic cannibal / Got to bring myself back from the dead”. It paints a vivid picture of the antagonist of the song, someone who feeds off the spirit and energy of others to bolster their own ego—a narcissistic cannibal. The struggle to resurrect one’s true self in the aftermath of this emotional vampirism emphasizes the depth of the internal battle.
The repetition of “Sometimes I hate the life I made / Everything’s wrong every time” through the song underscores a feeling of regret and the exhaustive, relentless nature of trying to navigate through the darkness this relationship casts. The imagery of being haunted and taking a sweet time depicts the slow, tormenting realization and the process of dealing with the consequences of one’s choices, especially when influenced by such a toxic partner.
The lines “Holding on, I’m lost in a haze / Fighting life to the end of my days” convey a sense of being trapped in a fog of confusion, yet determined to fight through the despair, suggesting a glimmer of hope or resolve amidst the chaos. It suggests a complex relationship with one’s own life, marred by toxicity yet fueled by an undying spirit to persevere.
The song’s bridge, “Don’t wanna be rude but I have to / Nothing’s good about the hell you put me through”, reaffirms the necessity of confrontation and the desperate need to assert boundaries, further illustrating the journey from being victimized to becoming an assertive survivor ready to reclaim their life.
“Narcissistic Cannibal” doesn’t just scratch the surface of a troubled relationship; it dives headlong into the emotional turmoil, the struggle for inner peace, and the fight against being consumed by another’s toxic behavior. Korn, together with Skrillex and Kill The Noise, crafts a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with anyone who’s ever found themselves fighting to break free from the shadows cast by another. It’s a battle cry for redemption, wrapped in the electrifying fusion of nu-metal and electronic music.
