Meaning of John Wayne Gacy Jr. lyrics by Sufjan Stevens

December 15, 2022

The song “John Wayne Gacy Jr.” by Sufjan Stevens is about serial killer John Wayne Gacy, Jr., who was convicted of killing 33 young men and boys. The lyrics tell a narrative of Gacy's upbringing and his crimes. The first verse paints a picture of a young boy trying to cope with a difficult childhood and his parents' neglect. The second verse speaks to how Gacy used his charm and his clown alter ego, Pogo the Clown, to lure his victims to their deaths. The outro reiterates how the serial killer is similar to everyone, but can have terrible secrets hidden away. The song is meant to be a reflection of how a seemingly regular person can be capable of unspeakable violence.

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