Looking Down the Cross

Album: Killing is My Business... And Business is Good! (1985)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written by Dave Mustaine, and looks at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ from an unusual perspective. In the lyrics, Jesus seems bitter about the fact that the people have decided to kill him, and curses the foolishness of humanity as he's bleeding to death. This is also mentioned in the Bible, more mildly put: "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jon - Sweden

Comments: 1

  • Demo from Cleveland, OhAgree with original poster that the song takes a different approach to Jesus’ crucifixion. The last verse is the best example. The lyrics indicate that Jesus starts to question if he really is the son of God or was it just in his head. The music if the chorus which is right after this verse always reminds me of a circus, kind of like Tears of a Clown by Smokey Robinson, as if to confirm it was just a fantasy. That’s my interpretation, I have no idea if that is correct but it’s how I hear it.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Harry Shearer

Harry ShearerSongwriter Interviews

Harry is Derek Smalls in Spinal Tap, Mark Shubb in The Folksmen, and Mr. Burns on The Simpsons.

Glen Burtnik

Glen BurtnikSongwriter Interviews

On Glen's résumé: hit songwriter, Facebook dominator, and member of Styx.

Creedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater RevivalFact or Fiction

Is "Have You Ever Seen the Rain" about Vietnam? Was John Fogerty really born on a Bayou? It's the CCR edition of Fact or Fiction.

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")

Phil Hurtt ("I'll Be Around")Songwriter Interviews

Phil was a songwriter, producer and voice behind many Philadelphia soul classics. When disco hit, he got an interesting project: The Village People.

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)

Graham Bonnet (Alcatrazz, Rainbow)Songwriter Interviews

Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai were two of Graham's co-writers for some '80s rock classics.