I think the song is literal. If it was not, it would lose it's shock value and some of its shear power. Good artists shock themselves from time to time, and in so doing shock the listener (or viewer, depending on the art form). That is where the genius is. The power of these lyrics is that the character sounds thoughtful and a little mournful or wistful about the past. Then the last verses hit - and I really don't think there is another way to interpret them when he says "I never breathed her name again." It's tempting for the listener to want a happier ending, but then I think the song would just be a wistful stream of consciousness.
[Edit: It’s also important to note one word: “first.” “I buried my FIRST victim…” This is not some boxing metaphor for a failed relationship. This is an insight into the soul of a serial killer. It is hard to accept because it is at odds with the shear beauty]
I think the song is literal. If it was not, it would lose it's shock value and some of its shear power. Good artists shock themselves from time to time, and in so doing shock the listener (or viewer, depending on the art form). That is where the genius is. The power of these lyrics is that the character sounds thoughtful and a little mournful or wistful about the past. Then the last verses hit - and I really don't think there is another way to interpret them when he says "I never breathed her name again." It's tempting for the listener to want a happier ending, but then I think the song would just be a wistful stream of consciousness.
[Edit: It’s also important to note one word: “first.” “I buried my FIRST victim…” This is not some boxing metaphor for a failed relationship. This is an insight into the soul of a serial killer. It is hard to accept because it is at odds with the shear beauty]