Monster Hospital

An interesting note to this song, is the mention of Bobby Fuller. His name makes sense in the song, since he was the man behind "I Fought the Law" (Well, he did the popular rendition with the Bobby Fuller Four). But there is much more to the story. He died a very peculiar death in the mid-1960s, which was reluctantly ruled a suicide.

He was found by his mother, keys in the ignition and a can of gasoline nearby. It was discovered that he had ingested approximately 1/3 of the can of gas. He also appeared to be doused in it. Friends and family had a difficult time believing that he willingly ended his life in such a strange way. First of all, he was on his way to the studios, and had been excited about some of the music he was working on. He had also gotten off the phone with a female friend just hours before, and had made plans to see her after the studio. And the car that he was in? He had JUST purchased it from a friend that same week. Many people believe that these actions are not characteristic of a suicidal person. He was far from burned out, according to his friends. Nor was he a "has-been".

Apparently, there was a lucrative insurance policy on his life, which raised some suspicions. If I can recall, his small record label (or management?) were benefactors to the claim. There were legends of mob involvement, as well. The fact that he was covered in gasoline, suggested that the perpetrators may have planned to set him on fire, but were spooked, and opted to leave the scene. Some of my facts may be foggy (it has been quite a few months since I read about the case). But there are a number of websites that explore Fuller's life and death, if anyone is interested.

Anyway, back to "Monster Hospital". Haines sings: "Daddy Warbucks up against Bobby Fuller/ And he beat him hands down/ lead in his head/ They put a little lead in..in his head."

Could she be theorizing that the "lead in his head", was actually the leaded gas that may have been forced down Fuller's throat, causing his death? If so, who's "they"? The mysterious people that were set to gain from the death of this musician? Is "Daddy Warbucks" an alias for whoever may have planned or executed the murder of Bobby Fuller? Many perceive Daddy Warbucks to be a symbol of power, dominance, and opportunism- just a few of the vices that conspiracy theorists believe led to Bobby Fuller's murder.

Regardless, "Monster Hospital" is such an intense track. The Bobby Fuller story brings a certain a darker tone to the song, which adds to the mystique of Metric. I need to get more familiar with their music, because I only know of "Monster Hospital, and "Glass Ceiling". But I'm crazy about both of them, so I'm sure I'd like many more songs on "Live It Out".

haha this song makes me think of being in like a mental hospitol. So when she says they held her arms down it refers to the restraints mental patients are put in when they start to get out o control. And the term "I fought the war, but the war won" is basically, "I tried to fight my clashing thought and tried to fight my illness, but it beat me"

Iactually think that this song is about an ex soldier with PTSD or post tramatic stress syndrome.

-Monster Hospital, Can you please release me he feels that hes stuck in this "monster hospital" in his head that he can't leave.

to me the "I fought the war, I fought the war, I fought the war" part isn't about protester but its about a soldier actually there fighting the war and then the "But the war won" part is saying that even though he was in the was fighting for his country the "war" won because he ends up getting this horrible ptsd in the end.

-"And he beat him hands down Lead in his head they put a little lead in, In his head" part seems to be about one of his recurring nightmares, like its another solider being killed by the enemy side

the "I fought the war, I fought the war, I fought the war But the war won't stop for the love of God" part is like a plea in his head trying to make the recurring stress and nightmares of the war stop.

I think that the entire CD is about a girl who seems to get the worst out of life.

The girl's mind is torn apart by her love's lack of recognition, and is losing her mind. She's finds that her life is a war, and that no matter how hard she fights this war, life continues to bring her down. Her rebelliousness (personified by Bobby Fuller) is being quelled by societies' conformity, and its stereotypes (Daddy Warbucks), particularily that prostitutes are the lowest and dirtiest people of society.

This is a modern day update on the Bobby Fuller song "I Fought the Law" (also covered by the Clash). It seems that Bobby Fuller's rebel character has been transformed into a downtrodden soldier doing the dirty work and killing in the name of god but really just to fill the pockets of Daddy Warbucks.

The lyrics are full of irony, e.g., "The war won't stop for the love of god." However, the irony in the chorus line "but the war won" is very depressing.

And Greed (Daddy Warbucks, i.e., Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney, authors of the myth of terrorism) will beat Intelligence (Bobby Fuller) every time.

Oh Emily Haines, you've been bad.

A bad ass that is.

Great song.

This song is about exactly what GinaMarz said, but I'll add that its also about the ordinary never having a say in the reckless beaureaucry (sp?) of international regimes.

Everyone check out the MSTRKRFT Remix of this song, its even better in my opinion.

Metric - Monster Hospital (MSTRKRFT Remix)

Love this song. Interesting reading above.