The song "Cut Up Angels" by The Used revolves around themes of destructive relationships, betrayal, and emotional pain. It tells a story of two individuals who are deeply hurt and willing to harm each other in various ways. The lyrics portray a toxic relationship where the singer and their partner engage in self-destructive behavior. The line "If we cut out the bad, well then we'd have nothing left" suggests that their relationship is filled with negativity and that removing it would leave them with nothing. The singer mentions cutting up their partner's mouth and stuffing something in it, symbolizing a violent act they committed. They acknowledge lying to an angel and claiming to have stabbed their partner, illustrating the extent of their emotional pain and the willingness to fabricate a story to justify their actions. The verse "Watched you bite into the bottle, watched me kick out the chair" suggests the depiction of a suicide attempt. The imagery of chewing on glass and hanging oneself conveys the extreme torment and pain within the relationship. The chorus highlights the sense of despair and longing for escape by expressing how the lust in their brain feels like a weapon or a gun. It reflects the intense longing for release or relief from the emotional turmoil they are experiencing. The bridge of the song explores the idea of seeking solace in unconventional places. The singer tells the angels that they can't stay in heaven, suggesting they cannot find peace or happiness in a heavenly realm. They also ask the devil for guidance, recognizing that cutting out the bad from their relationship would leave them with nothing, just as cutting up angels would. Overall, "Cut Up Angels" portrays a tumultuous and destructive relationship filled with pain, violence, and an overwhelming desire for escape. The lyrics paint a dark and intense picture of the emotional turmoil within the relationship and the devastating consequences it has on the individuals involved.
