John Wayne Gacy, Jr.
John Wayne Gacy, Jr.

Sufjan Stevens - John Wayne Gacy, Jr. Lyrics

Jul 4, 2005
138
John Wayne Gacy, Jr. Music Video

John Wayne Gacy, Jr. Lyrics

His father was a drinker and his mother cried in bed
Folding John Wayne's t-shirts when the swing set hit his head
The neighbors, they adored him
For his humor and his conversation

Look underneath the house there
Find the few living things, rotting fast, in their sleep

Oh the dead
Twenty-seven people
Even more, they were boys, with their cars, summer jobs
Oh my God
Ooh, are you one of them?

He dressed up like a clown for them
With his face paint white and red
And on his best behavior
In a dark room on the bed he kissed them all

He'd kill ten thousand people
With a slight of his hand, running far, running fast to the dead
He took off all their clothes for them
He put a cloth on their lips, quiet hands, quiet kiss on the mouth

And in my best behavior
I am really just like him
Look beneath the floor boards
For the secrets I have hid

Writer(s): Sufjan Stevens
Copyright(s): Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What inspired Sufjan Stevens to write 'John Wayne Gacy, Jr.'?

    Sufjan Stevens was inspired by the life and crimes of John Wayne Gacy, a notorious serial killer from Chicago. The song reflects on the contrast between Gacy's public persona as a clown who entertained children and his horrific criminal activities. Stevens explores themes of evil hidden beneath ordinary appearances.

  2. Why does Sufjan Stevens compare himself to John Wayne Gacy in the song?

    In the lyrics, Stevens reflects on the darker aspects of human nature by comparing himself to Gacy, suggesting that everyone has secrets hidden beneath the surface. This comparison is used to emphasize the theme that evil can exist within anyone, regardless of their outward appearance or social standing.

  3. What is the significance of the references to clowns in 'John Wayne Gacy, Jr.'?

    The references to clowns in the song relate directly to John Wayne Gacy's practice of dressing as 'Pogo the Clown' for public events and parties. This juxtaposition serves as a metaphor for how appearances can be deceiving and how malevolence can lurk behind a friendly facade.

  4. How does 'John Wayne Gacy, Jr.' fit into Sufjan Stevens' Illinois album concept?

    'John Wayne Gacy, Jr.' is part of Sufjan Stevens' Illinois album, which explores various aspects of Illinois state history and culture through its songs. This track delves into one of its darker chapters by examining the life of one of Illinois’ most infamous criminals, thereby contributing to the album’s exploration of both notable and notorious elements within the state.

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