“Last Caress” is a notorious song by American punk band Misfits, first released in 1980 on their EP Beware and written by vocalist Glenn Danzig12. The track is infamous for its extremely provocative and offensive lyrics, which reference murder, rape, and infanticide134. Its shock value and unapologetic delivery have made it one of the most controversial—and, paradoxically, most celebrated—songs in the Misfits’ catalog.
Background and Intent
- Shock Value: Glenn Danzig has stated that the lyrics were written to deliberately provoke and offend, embodying the “fuck you” attitude of early punk. He described it as “just a crazy-ass song” meant to “piss people off,” with no deeper meaning beyond pushing boundaries3.
- Recording and Releases: Although Danzig was initially dissatisfied with the recording, guitarist Bobby Steele convinced him to include it on Beware. It was later featured on Static Age (recorded in 1978, released in 1996) and the compilation Collection II (1995)1.
- Live and Covers: The song has been covered by many artists, most famously by Metallica, who included it in their “Last Caress/Green Hell” medley124.
Lyrics and Interpretation
- The lyrics are intentionally transgressive, designed to shock rather than convey a literal or symbolic message. Some listeners have speculated about deeper meanings, such as the song being from the perspective of a condemned killer or as a caricature of depravity, but Danzig himself dismissed these interpretations, emphasizing the intent to provoke53.
- Due to the subject matter, later versions of the Misfits (without Danzig) altered or omitted the most controversial lyrics, and at times removed the song from their live set entirely1.
Legacy
Despite (or because of) its content, “Last Caress” is considered a punk classic, celebrated for its raw energy and unapologetic attitude. It remains a staple in punk and metal circles, though its lyrics continue to spark debate about the limits of artistic expression in music134.
