Cover art for Mutilation Is the Most Sincere Form of Flattery by Marilyn Manson

Mutilation Is the Most Sincere Form of Flattery Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Hey, there's no rules today
You steal instead of borrow
You take all the shapes that I make
And think that you think all the thoughts
That I thought you, don't you?
Mutilation's the most sincere form of flattery
If you want to be me
Then stand in line like the rest
Now, do you know what I mean?

[Chorus]
The young get less bolder
The legends get older, but I stay the same
As long as you have less to say
Do you think that I wouldn't say this?
You know that I play this better than you

[Post-Chorus]
Fuck you, fuck you, and fuck you too
Fuck you, fuck you, and fuck you too
Do you really think that I wouldn't say this?
You know that I play this better than you

[Verse 2]
Rebels without applause
I sell my shadow to those who are standing in it
They think I would bitch about them
Thinking they are the shit
When they can't even step in it
[Chorus]
The young get less bolder
The legends get older, but I stay the same
As long as you have less to say
Do you think that I wouldn't say this?
You know that I play this better than you

[Post-Chorus]
Fuck you, fuck you, fuck you
Fuck you, fuck you too

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]
The young get less bolder
The legends get older, but I stay the same
As long as you have less to say
Do you think that I wouldn't say this?
You know that I play this better than you

[Interlude]
Fuck you, fuck you, and fuck you too

[Chorus]
The young get less bolder
The legends get older, but I stay the same
As long as you have less to say
Do you think that I wouldn't say this?
You know that I play this better than you
[Post-Chorus]
Fuck you, fuck you, and fuck you too
Fuck you, fuck you, and fuck you too
Do you really think that I wouldn't say this?
You know that I play this better than you

How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

To learn more, check out our transcription guide or visit our transcribers forum

About

Genius Annotation

“MITMSFOF” is thought to be directed at alt-rock band My Chemical Romance, who have a similar aesthetic to Manson.

According to the MansonWiki, the song’s working title was “Rebels Without Applause.”

The title of the song is a play on the famous Charles Caleb Colton quote:

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Marilyn Manson say about "Mutilation Is the Most Sincere Form of Flattery"?
Genius Answer

As reported by NME, Manson said the following about newer artists, thought to be My Chemical Romance, who have a similar brand to him.

I’m embarrassed to be me because these people are doing a really sad, pitiful, shallow version of what I’ve done. If they want to identify with me then here’s a razor blade. Call me when you’re done and we’ll talk.

Credits
Produced By
Written By
Performance Rights
Guitar
Bass
Keyboards
Studio Personnel
Programmer
Recording Engineer
Engineer
Copyright ©
Phonographic Copyright ℗
Mixing Engineer
Percussion
Release Date
June 5, 2007
Tags
Comments