Don’t fret precious I’m heree
Step away from the window
Go back to sleep
Lay your head down child
I won’t let the boogeyman come
Counting bodies like sheep
To the rhythm of the war drums
Pay no mind to the rabble
Pay no mind to the rabble
Head down, go to sleep
To the rhythm of the war drums…

It’s October 30th, Hokeyfolks. It’s coming down to the wire.

But we ain’t stopping. There’s plenty of time left for some more musical spookiness. Like this one right here. Not only is this morning’s showcase a delightful bit of fear, but it’s fear delivered as a lullaby.

Pet by A Perfect Circle sits at that junction where comfort and captivity conjoin into an amalgamated goo. Where the voice telling you to relax is the same one tightening the leash around your neck. Particularly terrifying is its sinister devotion to a bedtime cadence, a gloved hand covering your eyes so you stop questioning what lurks in the dark.

Maynard James Keenan takes on the persona of a protector who probably thinks he’s white-knighting a child from the fears of the world. But it’s about consolidating his own control. “Go back to sleep,” he practically coos, like a parent soothing a terrified child. Still, those monsters under the bed are the same ones that built the bed, the bedroom, the entire house. The ones screwing the world up.

And they want obedience, not safety. As always.

Pet slithers in like a locked heartbeat, the guitars creeping in like a shadow you did not authorize… and once the chorus detonates, you realize the song isn’t offering protection. Authoritarian “comfort” weaponized.

And it makes you question just exactly if there’s an actual Boogeyman to begin with. Just the perpetuation of a culture of fear and intimidation.

Because in this world, fear is currency, compliance is survival, and distraction is sedation.

Pet belongs on our Halloween playlist because there is nothing scarier than someone who claims to keep you safe while stealing your autonomy one whispered reassurance at a time. It’s propaganda wrapped up in a hug. Just warm enough so you don’t notice the bars on your invisible cage.

Because every monster needs a pet.

Stay with me
Safe and ignorant
Just stay with me
Hold you and protect you from the other ones
The evil ones
Don’t love you son
Go back to sleep…