How I Wrote The Beautiful People by Marilyn Manson [Archive]

[psycho]logical

05-20-2005, 03:26 PM

Manson is in Kerrang! this week as part of what is presumably a regular feature called "How I wrote...", speaking about the backstory and inspiration behind 'The Beautiful People'.

THE BACKGROUND
"I write phrases constantly and I have about 15 different notebooks going at the same time. I'll write lots of different things in each book. I have to lay them all out in the same place and pull things from each of them to write a song. I was on tour and I remember recording it on my four-track with Twiggy and my drummer Ginger in a hotel room. It was somewhere in the South, which is ironic. I remember playing the drum beat on the floor and then having my drummer duplicate that on the drum machine. It happened in one day pretty much. It happened maybe two-and-a-half years before 'Antichrist Superstar' was released, and if I played you that four-track recording, it would sound identical.

THE INSPIRATION
"The term 'The Beautiful People' was inspired by a book that came out in the mid-'60s. It was about the Kennedys, politics and fashion at the time. The whole culture of beauty as being created at the time. We live in a world where the culture of beauty is taken for granted, but it didn't exist in the same way in the '60s. Then Charles Manson and his 'family' took that culture, hated it and reacted against it. In many ways his reaction is the same as mine, but I'm playing with it from both sides. I make things glamorous as a revolt to glamour."

THE LEGACY
"I wasn't thinking about it in terms like, 'Is this a classic?'. But I knew we'd arrived at our defining sound when we wrote it. Even now, when I go back and listen to it, it sounds big. I hear things in it that I didn't hear before. I'm still very happy and proud of it. I don't get sick of playing it live and I don't think I will get tired of it."

edit: Correcting a couple of typos.

DeathXIII

05-20-2005, 03:33 PM

Learning is fun! ^.^

Nine

05-20-2005, 03:34 PM

definitly a cool read...thanks for posting that.

angelsephiroth

05-20-2005, 03:44 PM

Rawesome!

Charles Monroe

05-20-2005, 04:16 PM

Awesome, thanks!

FIGHTMF

05-20-2005, 04:20 PM

Thanks for posting, interesting indeed.

mechanical

05-20-2005, 04:57 PM

intresting read

David Alexander

05-20-2005, 05:01 PM

It's beautiful
Thanks!

Gravityeye

05-20-2005, 05:09 PM

Good read!

AntiSocial

05-20-2005, 05:10 PM

Originally posted by Nine
definitly a cool read...thanks for posting that.

MitzieKitty

05-20-2005, 05:14 PM

Thanks for posting that.....it's very interesting .I like to read about these kinds of things.That whole album sounds really full when you listen to it.

Skaboom

05-20-2005, 07:09 PM

Gracias amigo

ihtia0

05-20-2005, 07:44 PM

Thanks for posting that, as it was an interesting read. I'm not an uber fan of that song but it fits nicely on Antichrist Superstar, which is an otherwise nearly flawless piece of work - and my favorite Manson album.

TimothySkold6

05-20-2005, 08:46 PM

Originally posted by Speed Of Pain
That was cool, thanks for posting. But I'm upset to hear he isn't sick of playing it live yet.

Do you think Metallica enjoy playing Enter Sandman all the time or Ozzy Osbourne having to perform Paranoid or Iron Man every single time he steps onstage? Yes, sometimes performers don't do it, but unfortunatly they have to please the fans.

Manson isn't gonna stop playing a song that helped him become public enemy number 1 in America the time of it's release.

TLastGayOnEarth

05-20-2005, 09:44 PM

I remember reading a poet who said Manson stole his "You can't see the forest for the tree and you can't smell your own shit on your knees" line.

Shinya

05-20-2005, 09:58 PM

Originally posted by [psycho]logical
and if I played you that four-track recording, it would sound identical.
I really wish they'd release this kind of stuff...

Thanks for posting this. It's the most interesting news I've seen in a long time. Sadly, I'm not being sarcastic.

Tigger

05-20-2005, 11:13 PM

Two and a half years before the release of Antichrist Superstar? With Ginger? :S

Pfft.

Calculations

05-21-2005, 01:26 AM

sweet

Cyclops_Girl

05-21-2005, 01:41 AM

Thanks, it was an interesting read.

Komaschwarz

05-21-2005, 08:00 AM

$üpê®HïêrÕ

05-21-2005, 08:56 AM

poo would have sounded lame

Komaschwarz

05-21-2005, 09:32 AM

Originally posted by $üpê®HïêrÕ
poo would have sounded lame

Manson isn't a poet. His lyrics are thought provoking, and highly intelligent, but he is not a poet.

He is a very talented musician, painter, sketch artist, composer, and philosopher (of sorts), but I do not refer to his songs as poetry. If he wanted to write poetry, he would. His verses would then be free to be expanded upon, and he wouldn't have to stick in a chorus, or make things rhyme.

So once again, I reiterate: Manson is just about everything - but not a poet.

I'm also a little disapointed that he mentionned the book where he drew the title from. Now all the Mansonites will go out and buy it. I've enjoyed having it in my library for years, and I was content knowing that few knew of its origins.

TLastGayOnEarth

05-21-2005, 09:36 AM

Originally posted by Komaschwarz
Good poets don't swear.

Did I mention it was a good poet?

TLastGayOnEarth

05-21-2005, 09:38 AM

Originally posted by Komaschwarz
Manson isn't a poet. His lyrics are thought provoking, and highly intelligent, but he is not a poet.

He is a very talented musician, painter, sketch artist, composer, and philosopher (of sorts), but I do not refer to his songs as poetry. If he wanted to write poetry, he would. His verses would then be free to be expanded upon, and he wouldn't have to stick in a chorous, or make things rhyme.

So once again, I reiterate: Manson is just about everything - but not a poet.

Bla. Bla. Bla.

Who said Manson is a poet? What a waste of a reply.

MitzieKitty

05-21-2005, 10:11 AM

So,who is this poet that you mention?Did they say Manson stole from them in print or just casual conversation?

MrMisanthropy

05-21-2005, 10:34 AM

Originally posted by Speed Of Pain
That was cool, thanks for posting. But I'm upset to hear he isn't sick of playing it live yet.

LOL, same here. I am always waiting for something different to pop up in the set list live. When I hear this single I almost have to assure myself that it will be over in a few minutes and I will hopefully hear something different next. The song is great though it really does sound "big" like he says. It has great lyrics and a unique sound. I am just so oversaturated in it I dont know how he keeps playing it over and over and over and over and over and over, etc add infinum.

Damian

05-21-2005, 10:53 AM

I thought the remastered version on LWF sounded great. Tourniquet too. I still think they need to touch up that album. The mix and master was subpar compared to future Manson releases.

Ziggy Stardust

05-21-2005, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by TLastGayOnEarth
I remember reading a poet who said Manson stole his "You can't see the forest for the tree and you can't smell your own shit on your knees" line.

can't see the forest for the trees was obviously stolen in the first palce anwyays, so who is this poet to be caling anyone a thief?

its jsut a real old phrase, it must have been around for centuries.

-x-x-x-

taintedope333

05-21-2005, 02:18 PM

KillSwitch Klick anybody? Granted this was maybe around the same time, but it was just a thought.

[psycho]logical

05-21-2005, 08:33 PM

Originally posted by Ziggy Stardust
can't see the forest for the trees was obviously stolen in the first palce anwyays, so who is this poet to be caling anyone a thief?

its jsut a real old phrase, it must have been around for centuries.

-x-x-x-

I'd imagine it was "you can't smell your own shit on your knees" part the poet was more bothered about (if it's true), it being the original part and everything.

Montague

05-23-2005, 02:48 AM

that's a pretty cool story. it doesnt surprise me that thats how he gets his lyrics.

mightymonny

05-23-2005, 04:36 AM

cool. thanks for sharing this!

CarpathianRose

05-23-2005, 01:24 PM

Its very interesting to find out how Manson gets his ideas for his songs. "The Beautiful People" was the first Manson song i ever heard, still one of my favorites. Anyone read how he got his ideas for "Kinderfield?" I have and it's kinda is eerie but interesting....

"You can't see the forest for the trees" is one of the phrases that have been around for so long that it's not called stealing anymore if you use it. Its like the phrase "The early bird gets the worm." It been used so many times, its more of a symbol really, (meaning that it stands for something).......

and about the book, how many "few" (hundred? thousand? million?) manson fans world wide knew about its existence and actually own it.

Komaschwarz

05-23-2005, 01:31 PM

Originally posted by CarpathianRose

and about the book, how many "few" (hundred? thousand? million?) manson fans world wide knew about its existence and actually own it. [/B]

Taking into account our latest poll which shows only about 10% of Manson fans own any particular album, I'd guess that less than five people on these boards (and that's including myself) own it.

However, in three months there will probably be several threads talking about how great of a book it was, now that this information is out among the general public. That's how Manson research works around here. No one bothers to research, but they have their hands on the credit card anytime they are thrown a scrap.

CarpathianRose

05-23-2005, 01:54 PM

Taking into account our latest poll which shows only about 10% of Manson fans own any particular album, I'd guess that less than five people on these boards (and that's including myself) own it.

Well, considering that this is only one of the many, countless Manson forums Worldwide...and considering that their are millions of Manson fans worldwide that read his books, buy his albums and are interested in his work. Common sense says that the odds are that there is a lot more people who own it than you think.

Secondly, why do you care whether someone own his book or not? Thats like hating millions of people who buy his albums just because you already have it. His stuff is for people who want to know more about him or find interest in him, not you specifically.

Komaschwarz

05-23-2005, 02:02 PM

Originally posted by CarpathianRose
Well, considering that this is only one of the many, countless Manson forums Worldwide...and considering that their are millions of Manson fans worldwide that read his books, buy his albums and are interested in his work. Common sense says that the odds are that there is a lot more people who own it than you think.

Secondly, why do you care whether someone own his book or not? Thats like hating millions of people who buy his albums just because you already have it. His stuff is for people who want to know more about him or find interest in him, not you specifically.

I didn't mean to give you the wrong impression. I meant five people on these particular Manson boards - not in total accumulation of the world

As for your question, there are two reasons why I care:

1. I dislike when people are too fucking lazy to do any research themselves, but still reap the benefits because they have a credit card, and aren't afraid to max it out. These are also the same people who a few days later become so called experts, simply because they bought an item that has artistic merit.

and

2. I have a general displeasure for people taking an interest in something they don't have the faculties to understand.

I'd also like to add that his art is not made for people who want to know more about him or find interest in him, it is made for himself. All true art is made for the sake of the artist, not the audience. If there is anything the Golden Age of Grotesque wanted us to learn, that would certainly be it.

CarpathianRose

05-23-2005, 02:21 PM

Well its, Obviously he makes art for himself, yes like any true artist. But his works are available to whomever finds interest in it. Is there no MM merchandise? Don't tell me he makes action figures for himself just so he can play with them, or makes posters just so he can look at himself. Come on, don't tell me Manson is not aware of his audience.

And how about you, what was going through your mind when you bought the book. Were you buying because for whatever reason, you consider yourself better than any other and feel only you have the "faculties" to understand and grasp such content? And now that you own it, you feel a need to express the idea that only you can truly understand it like you are an "expert." Are you completely narcissistic? I understand what you mean by others buying something to pose as an "expert" but seriously, you're coming off as being arrogant.

Komaschwarz

05-23-2005, 02:34 PM

Originally posted by CarpathianRose

And how about you, what was going through your mind when you bought the book. Were you buying because for whatever reason, you consider yourself better than any other and feel only you have the "faculties" to understand and grasp such content? And now that you own it, you feel a need to express the idea that only you can truly understand it like you are an "expert." Are you completely narcissistic? I understand what you mean by others buying something to pose as an "expert" but seriously, you're coming off as being arrogant. [/B]

The book was bought for me as a gift in 1994, prior to the release of The Beautiful People. Surprisingly it was one of the only good novels that anyone has ever bought me.

And yes, I do consider myself better than most people, and I have no problem admitting it. I also know I have the faculties to grasp both the book and the song, both of which are still heavily misinterpreted to this day. I rarely consider myself an expert in any area, but I understand that I have a higher comprehension in regards to literary pursuits and symbology, just as some other person will likely have a higher comprehension of math or geology than me. There is nothing wrong of knowing your strengths and relishing in them.

As for narcissism, that is fairly obvious, and arrogance also walks hand in hand with it, but I make no persuasion to suggest that I am neither of those terms.

What this is all about (to me), is that many of the values which Manson has tried to impart on his audience (espescially those of self discovery and the quest for the knowledge to bring about transformation), goes completely down the shit-hole the moment a Mansonite runs to purchase something simply because Manson made a reference to it. Don't even bother arguing this point, just scroll your mouse up to 'search' and type in absinthe, and watch as the sheep bleat out "Maaaaannnnsssson, Maaaannnnssooon."

Komaschwarz

05-23-2005, 02:36 PM

Originally posted by drag84
[B]If anything The Golden Age was for the auidence rather than the artist.

I think you need to watch Doppelherz, and brush up on www.nachtkabarett.com

Courtesy of that very same site: As Manson has said often, his art is only art until it's been viewed by someone

CarpathianRose

05-23-2005, 02:41 PM

I mean, i agree with what you guys are saying. I wouldn't like it if the whole world had everything that i owned or listened to had the same musical taste as i do. I understand that and i would dislike that too. I've got nothing against you Komaschwarz, except for the fact that you present yourself as being rather arrogant

And i agree with you drag84, I find too that new manson fans generally like the GAOG album and tend to disregard the older ones (and viceversa, me being the latter). I find this to be true with many other bands i listen to as well. And the picture on your signature (or whatever its called) the actress, was she in a show called "Witchblade?"

CarpathianRose

05-23-2005, 03:27 PM

Cool, yeah that's where i saw her. That was a pretty cool show. She is definitely attractive.

TLastGayOnEarth

05-23-2005, 04:34 PM

And yes, I do consider myself better than most people.

I've never met someone who thinks he/she is not better than most people.

Komaschwarz

05-23-2005, 06:50 PM

Originally posted by TLastGayOnEarth
I've never met someone who thinks he/she is not better than most people.

My thoughts exactly. I'm willing to admit it though.

koolboee cdmo87

05-23-2005, 07:43 PM

Originally posted by Shinya
I really wish they'd release this kind of stuff...

Thanks for posting this. It's the most interesting news I've seen in a long time. Sadly, I'm not being sarcastic.
Same here. :-\ I wish he'd go back to discussing the background of his music, the themes and whatnot rather than how he drinks absinthe and has a dildocam. This new interview seems like an indication of that, so I'm happy to read this for that reason too.

babyfish

05-23-2005, 10:43 PM

I noticed the same thing Tigger, 2 1/2 yrs before ACSS with Ginger the drummer. Doesn't make sense. Either Manson's done so many drugs that he can't remember, or he's finally letting us know that he really is fulll of shit and wants everyone to believe what he says any way.

Probably the drugs...

Komaschwarz

05-23-2005, 11:18 PM

Originally posted by koolboee cdmo87
[B]Same here. :-\ I wish he'd go back to discussing the background of his music, the themes and whatnot rather than how he drinks absinthe and has a dildocam.

1. Watch Doppelherz
2. Stop expecting to be spoon fed

GunsOfBrixton

05-24-2005, 10:31 AM

How I Became The Biggest Hollywood Scene Whore Swooperstar by Marilyn Manson

koolboee cdmo87

05-24-2005, 03:28 PM

Originally posted by drag84
Ok. I draw alot and write alot...I would (as an artist.) rather spend my time talking about my art than how much I smoke pot. It is a reasonable request.
Now if the pot hsa something to do with my art sure. We know Manson drinks while he paints. I also think he does the same with his music. However...a little less absithe talk and alittle more art talk wouldnt be a bad thing and it would be by no means "spoonfeding." He is vague enough as is.
Exactly.

If he didn't really want to do interviews because he doesn't want to explain anything (which isn't true because his interviews used to almost always be about his work or message), I'd be fine with that. But he does do interviews, but they've been so worthless and disappointing lately. I roll my eyes every time he likes to point out that the sale of absinthe is illegal, and how people's jaws drop when he whips out his dildocam. Talk about something meaningful that a fan would be interested to hear.

MitzieKitty

05-24-2005, 05:41 PM

I agree totally.It makes him seem unintelligent and like he's trying too hard.All of his interviews have been this way since his latest full album.It's boring.He did seem to get back to art talk with the singles album interviews though but as far as all the celebrity party pictures-it's back to posing.

Komaschwarz

05-24-2005, 06:08 PM

Originally posted by MitzieKitty
I agree totally.It makes him seem unintelligent and like he's trying too hard.All of his interviews have been this way since his latest full album.It's boring.He did seem to get back to art talk with the singles album interviews though but as far as all the celebrity party pictures-it's back to posing.

Have you ever heard of a sense of humour, or plain out fucking with people? Manson has admitted he tailors his answers based on the people who are interviewing them, ergo, he responds to stupid questions and stupid people with stupid answers. I've yet to see a heartfelt interviewer who had knowledge of Manson's background and what he is trying to accomplish who Manson has dismissed in this mannor.

Perfect example. The bitch who asked him what he eats for breakfast. He replied "Little children, about this tall".

You get what you deserve.

thenothingday

05-25-2005, 05:59 AM

Originally posted by Komaschwarz
Manson isn't a poet. His lyrics are thought provoking, and highly intelligent, but he is not a poet.

He is a very talented musician, painter, sketch artist, composer, and philosopher (of sorts), but I do not refer to his songs as poetry. If he wanted to write poetry, he would. His verses would then be free to be expanded upon, and he wouldn't have to stick in a chorus, or make things rhyme.

So once again, I reiterate: Manson is just about everything - but not a poet.

I'm also a little disapointed that he mentionned the book where he drew the title from. Now all the Mansonites will go out and buy it. I've enjoyed having it in my library for years, and I was content knowing that few knew of its origins.

I can't see how he is anything but a poet.

Komaschwarz

05-25-2005, 06:05 AM

Originally posted by thenothingday
I can't see how he is anything but a poet.

Then you have not read poetry. He is not a poet. Someone having amazing lyrics does not make them a poet.

Poets do not revert to chrorouses, and are free to escape the chains of rhyme. Manson could be a poet, but he has selected the mediums of singing, and painting.

CarpathianRose

05-26-2005, 12:03 AM

Whatever, he used to a lot of write poetry.

CarpathianRose

05-26-2005, 12:04 AM

*correction*
He used to write a lot of poetry.

Komaschwarz

05-26-2005, 05:50 AM

Well...if he wrote a poem or two when he was a teenager, then that must make him a poet!

CarpathianRose

05-26-2005, 07:31 PM

Well he did write poetry and attented poetry gatherings.
i think one of them when something like this

"I Wrapped my love in foil
So it wouldn't spoil
but flies will lay their eggs"

CarpathianRose

05-26-2005, 07:34 PM

Of course i realize that anyone could write poetry and become poet.

Komaschwarz

05-26-2005, 11:33 PM

Originally posted by CarpathianRose
Well he did write poetry and attented poetry gatherings.
i think one of them when something like this

"I Wrapped my love in foil
So it wouldn't spoil
but flies will lay their eggs"

Sounds like you fucked up the lyrics to Tourniquet.

CarpathianRose

05-27-2005, 12:49 AM

Well, thats where the part of the lyrics came from.

Komaschwarz

05-27-2005, 06:15 AM

Originally posted by drag84
He is right. The lyrics came from a part of his poetry. Re-read LHROOH.

Re-read anything that's actually poetry. Manson took a couple lines that he scrawled down as a teenager, and incorporated it. I reccomend you start by reading Lord Byron, William Blake, Emily Dickinson, and John Keats. Afterwards, if you're still ignorantly believing that his songs are poetry (instead of wonderfully crafted MUSICAL LYRICS (which always have to have rhymes, and a chorus, unlike poetry), then be my guest.

Damian

05-27-2005, 10:56 AM

No one can say what poetry is, that's like saying what "art" is. When you have rules, and guidlines, and measurements of how to judge "art" you kill the meaning of it.

Damian

05-27-2005, 11:26 AM

No. That's not the point. Lyrics don't have a guidline. They don't HAVE to have chorus, and rhyme and all that. Lyrics could just be whatever that voice says over the music. Sure, different FORMS of poetry has rules, or guidliness, but that doesn't mean you can decide what is or isn't poetry, or art, or music, or anything for that matter. People like Koma kill art. It all becomes a measurment of biased opinions.

Manson's lyrics on Mechanical Animals are more poetic than most stuff shat out in the last 10 years.

Damian

05-27-2005, 01:03 PM

Originally posted by drag84
But when your working with the "usual" lyrical guidlines in pop music...it isnt poetic. you cant tell me " hit me baby one more time" is poetry. Manson strays from the method ocassionally so he can be considered an exception.

there is some point in there and I get it...but its a faulty point.

But I agree with you. Koma dictates what art is and thats why I think he is annoying as fuck.

Pop music is not music.
It's calculated-commerical garbage!

Komaschwarz

05-27-2005, 01:46 PM

Originally posted by Damian
No one can say what poetry is, that's like saying what "art" is. When you have rules, and guidlines, and measurements of how to judge "art" you kill the meaning of it.

I share the exact opposite view. I believe that our entire culture's fascination with never judging art is the principal cause to the multitude of shit that gets produced today.

Shangri-LIE

05-27-2005, 02:05 PM

I remember reading this in his autobiography as well. Not
the same exact article. But the atmosphere and process
of that day when he wrote it. As far as not getting tired
of playing it live, I can easily understand this. Because
not only have I played these songs religiously not only
on my radio, but instrumentally. I have also wrote my
own music, and can say you never get tired of playing
a masterpeice..or a classic..or something you are especially
proud of.

He has even been interveiwed on radio stations where
callers tell him how amazingly hot he is, and it intrigues
him because he has always strived to be unnattractive
as Marilyn Manson.

Shangri - Lie

Damian

05-27-2005, 02:48 PM

Originally posted by Komaschwarz
I share the exact opposite view. I believe that our entire culture's fascination with never judging art is the principal cause to the multitude of shit that gets produced today.

But wouldn't the abundance of over calculated, almost genric art be the cause of defining what a peice should be? Music, especially, it seems like they analyzed music so much that you will write with a "single "in mind. The music is manufactured.

GunsOfBrixton

05-27-2005, 05:13 PM

It's pretty much a question of the sanctity of the product, rather than the guidelines it was constructed with, or the piece's intention. Art is art, no matter how trite or meaningless anyone perceives it to be, no one can take that tag away. Look at the fucking Classicists when Impressionism started gaining hold, they described it as an affront to all that art stood for. Well, what does it stand for? It's the most abstract mathematic system that can never be solved. That's why it's art.

Word.

vht

05-27-2005, 10:18 PM

I cant listen to the beautiful people anymore. It's was so played out back in the day that it got to the point where I could no longer tell if it was a good song or not. And also every time I hear it I'm reminded of all the posers who used to walk down the halls at school singing it. That pretty much ruined it.

TERROJA

05-27-2005, 10:44 PM

Originally posted by Komaschwarz
Re-read anything that's actually poetry. Manson took a couple lines that he scrawled down as a teenager, and incorporated it. I reccomend you start by reading Lord Byron, William Blake, Emily Dickinson, and John Keats. Afterwards, if you're still ignorantly believing that his songs are poetry (instead of wonderfully crafted MUSICAL LYRICS (which always have to have rhymes, and a chorus, unlike poetry), then be my guest.

Here's a thought: IT DOESN'T MATTER WHETHER IT'S POETRY OR NOT.

Poetry, lyrics, prose--it's all the same thing: words arranged in a deliberately crafted way in order to convey a particular thought or feeling. Why get so damn bent out of shape about what people choose to call it? It's a non-issue. You'll never convince them. They'll never convince you.

Let's all accept these facts and move on with our important lives.

Komaschwarz

05-29-2005, 12:56 PM

Originally posted by drag84
Someone bought you the book when you where seven? you must have been a really smart kid. Though I somehow doubt it.

I read the Lord of the Rings trilogy in grade 3, and Crime and Punishment the year after. I've always been heavily involved with literature.

Mind you, at that age people just bought me the books and I read them, I didn't set out on a quest to find Tolkien.

Skaboom

05-29-2005, 01:23 PM

It's true that noone can really define what poetry is,and that definitely can not happen by putting rules and measurements,in art.
I am no literature expert,but i can tell,anyone can understand Manson doesn't really write poetry.Maybe he did,when he was a kiddo,but don't forget the rejection letters ;)

MissFoggie

06-05-2005, 05:48 PM

thanks for the post psycho! good read.

love reading about the evolution of his songs.

driedupandtied

06-08-2005, 06:52 PM

i like how he worked ut the drum beat on the floor

Dying_Tree

12-16-2005, 05:58 PM

Taar for posting that a dam gd read!

Alma

12-16-2005, 06:21 PM

Okay I haven't read every post in this thread...

But didn't he write the lyrics in a hotel room after he smoked bones and while 'Twiggins' stumbled drunkenly down a flight of stairs? And on Driven they said he wrote the song after going to a club in LA with Traci Lords and Perry Farrell, when NIN was the house band or something. That's three different accounts, two coming from MM himself.

Also, If I'm completeley wrong and missing something don't blame me.. I haven't slept in a long while.

Twiggins lol.

Those were the days.

Nightscream

12-17-2005, 07:43 AM

Originally posted by Alma
Okay I haven't read every post in this thread...

But didn't he write the lyrics in a hotel room after he smoked bones and while 'Twiggins' stumbled drunkenly down a flight of stairs? And on Driven they said he wrote the song after going to a club in LA with Traci Lords and Perry Farrell, when NIN was the house band or something. That's three different accounts, two coming from MM himself.

Also, If I'm completeley wrong and missing something don't blame me.. I haven't slept in a long while.

Twiggins lol.

Those were the days.

maybe he meant that he ended up writing part of the song while with Twiggins falling down the stairs? or did he say that's when he was writing the chorus or something? never heard that Traci oard/Perry Farrell one though....

Sharon

12-22-2005, 07:40 PM

You see I liked the entire entry: not-gossip. Coming for the mouth of "The Man" son

S.

Sharon

12-28-2005, 08:18 PM

Originally posted by [psycho]logical
Manson is in Kerrang! this week as part of what is presumably a regular feature called "How I wrote...", speaking about the backstory and inspiration behind 'The Beautiful People'.

THE BACKGROUND
"I write phrases constantly and I have about 15 different notebooks going at the same time. I'll write lots of different things in each book. I have to lay them all out in the same place and pull things from each of them to write a song. I was on tour and I remember recording it on my four-track with Twiggy and my drummer Ginger in a hotel room. It was somewhere in the South, which is ironic. I remember playing the drum beat on the floor and then having my drummer duplicate that on the drum machine. It happened in one day pretty much. It happened maybe two-and-a-half years before 'Antichrist Superstar' was released, and if I played you that four-track recording, it would sound identical.

THE INSPIRATION
"The term 'The Beautiful People' was inspired by a book that came out in the mid-'60s. It was about the Kennedys, politics and fashion at the time. The whole culture of beauty as being created at the time. We live in a world where the culture of beauty is taken for granted, but it didn't exist in the same way in the '60s. Then Charles Manson and his 'family' took that culture, hated it and reacted against it. In many ways his reaction is the same as mine, but I'm playing with it from both sides. I make things glamorous as a revolt to glamour."

THE LEGACY
"I wasn't thinking about it in terms like, 'Is this a classic?'. But I knew we'd arrived at our defining sound when we wrote it. Even now, when I go back and listen to it, it sounds big. I hear things in it that I didn't hear before. I'm still very happy and proud of it. I don't get sick of playing it live and I don't think I will get tired of it."

edit: Correcting a couple of typos. very interesting to me.

Sherry

12-29-2005, 09:49 AM

I do that with my poetry. I can't even tell you how many pages I have with randomness written all over it for poems I never finished.

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Sharon

12-29-2005, 02:34 PM

Originally posted by Sherry
I do that with my poetry. I can't even tell you how many pages I have with randomness written all over it for poems I never finished.

:\

Mabey you should get more serious about it ........it could go somewhere......remember you can dream and you can make a dream come true if it comes from within side you.

GODxEATxGOD

01-21-2006, 11:00 AM

nice read,!

Sharon

01-21-2006, 12:56 PM

maugan_ra_3rd

01-22-2006, 08:30 AM

... which is why it's the best song ever. For me, at least.

Fascinating article, thanks for posting!

maugan_ra_3rd

01-22-2006, 08:33 AM

Originally posted by TLastGayOnEarth
I remember reading a poet who said Manson stole his "You can't see the forest for the tree and you can't smell your own shit on your knees" line.

To add to an oldish point... I think the idea of reserving phrases and words is a bit ridiculous. How can you own the rights to a semblance of words? Every artist draws on other artists work.

maugan_ra_3rd

01-22-2006, 08:45 AM

Originally posted by Komaschwarz
... and incorporated it. I reccomend you start by reading Lord Byron, William Blake, Emily Dickinson, and John Keats...

William Blake, though, wrote his most celebrated poetry as songs; The Songs of Innocence/Experience.

I get what you're saying, but don't think it's so clear cut; there are areas of overlap. For instance, are Mansons live shows musical performances, or thaetre? It's debateable, but the only reasonable outcome is that they are in many cases simply both. Some of Mansons lyrics aren't really suitable to be deemed poetry, but I do think some are.

It dosn't have to be black and white to preserve the sanctity of poetry, because quality speaks for itself, and quality expression of any kind - for me - all falls under 'art'. Music and Poetry are, for all their differences, really just different presentations of the same thing.