Pretty as a Swastika

"Pretty as a Swastika"
Pretty as a Swastika cover
Song by Marilyn Manson
Album	The High End of Low
Released	May 19, 2009
Recorded	March 2008–January 2009 in Los Angeles and Hollywood, California
Label	Interscope
Writer	Marilyn Manson
Producer	Marilyn Manson, Chris Vrenna, Twiggy, Sean Beavan

"Pretty as a Swastika" is the second track from the 2009 release The High End of Low. Its title was revealed on April 16, 2009, in an update on the band's official website. While the song is given this name on the band's website, online retailers refer to it as "Pretty as a ($)." It is uncertain as of yet if this is how the title is printed on album pressings.

Music details

Reviewing for Thrash Hits, Hugh Platt criticized that "the Stooges-rattle of 'Pretty as a Swastika' beats its chest in a manner all too close to the controlled-chaos thrusts of Antichrist Superstar." Platt concluded the review citing "Pretty as a Swastika" as one of the record's top tracks. The Quietus' John Robb described the song as "full-on from the top," having "some nice rhythm changes that you can sense mosh pit action to. [...] This is stripped down and dirty Manson. There is mention of swastikas. The ugliness of humanity is still a fascination for the singer, whose thing has always been reflecting the ugliness of the slavering media back at them. It's a simple but effective trick, and Manson plays [their] game well, always gaining the upper hand. The track is a sneering high IQ rush before collapsing into a weird splodgy bass rumble that outros the song."

Appearances

Albums

• The High End of Low

Versions

• "Pretty as a Swastika" — Appears on The High End of Low
• "Pretty as a Swastika" (Alternate Version) — Appears on pressings of The High End of Low shipped to independent record stores

Lyrics

    When I see you in the sun you're as pretty as a swastika
    Take you down, down from the inside
    Take you down, down from the inside
    I want to smash into your face,
    like a plane,
    and drown in between your legs
    Take you down, down from the inside
    Take you down, down from the inside
    I'd die for your sins
    if you don't kill me while I'm trying, baby
    Let me show you where it hurts
    Let me show you where it hurts
    Let me show you where it hurts
    There's more than one way, to make you cry
    When I see you in the sun you're as pretty as a swastika
    When I see you in the sun you're as pretty as a swastika
    Take you down, down from the inside
    Take you down, down from the inside
    One of us is a knife
    One of us is ripe, baby
    Let me show you where it hurts