Analysis

Killer Klowns (From Outer Space)

The Dickies

10+
Verdict
Listen first

Cartoon violence, death references, horror-comedy themes

Detailed Analysis

The lyrics are from the theme song of the 1988 horror-comedy film 'Killer Klowns from Outer Space' by the Dickies. The content centers on alien clowns invading Earth and killing humans. There is no profanity, sexual content, or drug/alcohol references. However, the lyrics do contain references to death, killing, and genocide ('these klowns only gonna make you die,' 'bringing genocide to the human race,' 'you'll be dead on arrival,' 'population's going down'). The overall tone is campy and humorous, which significantly softens the violent themes, but the imagery may still be disturbing for younger children, particularly those with fears of clowns. Parental guidance is suggested for younger children.

Themes

violence

horror comedy

death

dark humor

alien invasion

pop culture

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Lyrics

P.T. Barnum said it so long ago There's one born every minute, don't you know? (Killer klowns) Some make us laugh, some make us cry These klowns only gonna make you die Everybody's running when the circus comes into their towns Everybody's gunning for the likes of the killer klowns From outer space Killer klowns From outer space Chuckle! The ringmaster shouts, "Let the show begin" Send in the klowns, then let them do you in (killer klowns) See a rubber nose on a painted face Bringing genocide to the human race It's time to take a ride on the nightmare merry-go-round You'll be dead on arrival from the likes of the killer klowns From outer space Killer klowns From outer space There's cotton candy in their hands Says a polka-dotted man with a stalk of jacaranda They're all diabolical bozos Chuckle! Oh, look around, what do you see? Tell me what's become of humanity (killer klowns) From California shores to New York Times Square Barnum and Bailey everywhere If you've ever wondered why the population's going down Blame it on the plunder from the likes of the killer klowns From outer space Killer klowns From outer space Killer klowns Killer klowns Killer klowns, ha-ha Killer klowns, ho-ho Killer klowns, hey-hey (yeah) From outer space Killer klowns From outer space Killer klowns, yeah Killer klowns, oh, oh, oh Killer klowns From outer space

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Analysis performed on October 15, 2026