This short article is devoted to the story of creation and the main idea of the rock ballad Snuff, which was recorded several years ago by the American metal band Slipknot. The composition became one of the most successful singles of the famous band.
She is also known for her interesting music video, which is definitely worth watching, even if you are not a Slipknot fan.
The story of creation & the meaning of the song Snuff
The band’s lead singer Corey Taylor explained what the song “Snuff” is about:
It’s slow. Another personal one. Again, without naming names, it’s about someone who helped me through a lot of hardships and I thought she felt the same way as me, and then she really disappointed me. At the same time, it is good that she did this, because it finally allowed me to comprehend myself. The lyrics of the song hardly require further explanation.
“Kerrang!”, 2008
The ambiguity of the English word “snuff” makes it possible to translate it into Russian in different ways. Given the text and Taylor’s explanation, “Cinder” seems to be a good option – as a symbol of what remains of a once great love.
By the way, it is widely believed that Corey dedicated the song Snuff to his ex-wife Scarlett.
Sean Crahan had this to say about the song Snuff:
It’s funny that everyone is asking, “Are you guys going to make another album like Iowa?” But you’ll see, a song like Snuff will appeal to everyone. People will understand it because we all like to be sad. Anyone can feel the pain it contains. She doesn’t force you. It is within you by nature. Both joy and sadness are always inside. When you hear a song like Snuff from a band like Slipknot, you’ll be sucked into this delirium anyway. It will be the most suitable song for you to just feel bad.
Release and achievements
Snuff was released as the fifth single from All Hope Is Gone in the fall of 2009. It peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks, which was Slipknot’s highest charting achievement.
Video Snuff by Slipknot
The music video stars Ashley Lawrence and Malcolm McDowell. Watch the Snuff video by Slipknot.
Interesting Facts
- The song was the last single released during the life of the band’s bassist Paul Gray. At concerts, the band often performs an acoustic version of Snuff, dedicating it to a former colleague.
- In the video for Snuff, Corey Taylor appeared without a mask for the second time in his time in the group.
Snuff Lyrics by Slipknot
Bury all your secrets in my skin
Come away with innocence, and leave me with my sins
The air around me still feels like a cage
And love is just a camouflage for what resembles rage again
So if you love me, let me go
And run away before I know
My heart is just too dark to care
I can’t destroy what isn’t there
Deliver me into my fate, if I’m alone I cannot hate
I don’t deserve to have you
My smile was taken long ago, if I can change I hope I never know
I still press your letters to my lips
And cherish them in parts of me that savor every kiss
I couldn’t face a life without your light
But all of that was ripped apart, when you refused to fight
So save your breath, I won’t care
I think I made it very clear
You couldn’t hate enough to love
Is that supposed to be enough?
I only wish you weren’t my friend
Then I could hurt you in the end
I never claimed to be a saint
My own was banished long ago, it took the death of hope to let you go
So break yourself against my stones
And sleep your pity in my soul
You never needed any help
You sold me out to save yourself
And I won’t listen to your shame
You ran away, you’re all the same
Angels lie to keep control
My love was punished long ago
If you still care, don’t ever let me know
If you still care, don’t ever let me know
Snuff Lyrics by Slipknot Alternative
Hide all your secrets in my skin
Leave with innocence and leave me with my sins
The air around me still feels like a cage
And love is just a disguise for what looks like rage again
So, if you love me, let me go
And run away before I know
My soul is too dark for love
I can’t destroy what’s not there
Take me to my destiny if I’m lonely I can’t hate
I don’t deserve you
My smile was taken away a long time ago, if I can change, I hope I never find out
I still press your letters to my lips
And I caress them with body parts that keep the taste of all kisses
I couldn’t really face life without your light
But it all fell apart when you refused to fight
So don’t shake the air in vain, I don’t care
I think I made it very clear
You couldn’t hate enough to love
Is this considered sufficient?
I’m only sorry that you were my friend
Otherwise I might hurt you in the end
I never claimed to be a saint
I myself was exiled a long time ago, and I had to bury hope in order to let you go.
So crash on my stones
And spit your pity into my soul
You never needed help
You sold me to save yourself
And I don’t want to listen to your shame
You ran away, I don’t care about you
Angels lie to keep things under control
My love was punished long ago
If you still care, don’t ever tell me
If you still care, don’t ever tell me
