What is gematria by slipknot about

gematria (The Killing Name) is a song by heavy metal band Slipknot from their fourth studio album All Hope Is Gone. Written by lead vocalist Corey Taylor and produced by Dave Fortman, the song is about the power of words and how they can be used to hurt or heal.

Gematria, also known as Hebrew numerology, is an ancient Jewish practice of assigning numerical value to a word or phrase in the belief that words with identical numerical values bear some relation to each other or bear some deeper esoteric significance. It has been used in both religious and secular contexts to interpret words and phrases in the Hebrew Bible, as well as in biblical manuscripts. In modern times, Gematria has become popularized by figures like Aleister Crowley who often incorporated it into his mystical writing.

Lyrically speaking, "Gematria" deals with the idea that words have hidden meanings and power beyond what we may initially think of them. The song opens with a slow, bluesy guitar riff that builds into a groovy rhythm section. Corey Taylor's vocal delivery is the perfect representation of someone trying desperately to encourage another person not to be too affected by negative words being hurled at them; "Don't listen to what people say/ it's only Gematria/ You're stronger than a killing name/ You're beautiful".

By using symbolism from Judaism and Kabbalah as it relates to Gematria, Slipknot attempts to explain how powerful words can really be even though we may not realize it on the surface. The band aptly illustrates this point with a catchy chorus backed up by pulsing beats and screaming guitars: "Light off this killing name/ All power for what you seek/ You should never be afraid of your enemy" This encourages listeners not only to understand the importance of positive thinking but also learn how powerful their own words are when commanded with intent.

This track is full of powerful imagery as Taylor goes on an emotionally charged rant towards those that feel they need to attack him: "Burn everything down! Everything except you! It's all lies they've said they know we are coming… It's time for you great revenge! Verdict of numerical completion!" This part of the chorus emphasizes how important it is not to allow oneself become victims of hate-fueled lies when the truth will eventually stand firm regardless.