Bodies by Drowning Pool

Album: Sinner (2001)

Charted: 34

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Songfacts®:

"Bodies" is a mosh pit anthem. Whenever Drowning Pool played this live, the mosh pit went crazy. The lyrics are very simple, but the song is fun and full of energy. While it may not seem meaningful on the surface, the band has explained that it is about the mosh pit code of honor and the passion of the fans.
Guitarist C.J. Pierce came up with the riff, and lead singer Dave Williams added the line, "Let the bodies hit the floor," which became the basis for the song.
Dave Williams had "Sinner," the name of the album, tattooed on his arm. He had the tattoo before the album came out.
Jared Loughner is a mentally unstable mass murderer who shot dead six people and critically injured US congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tuscon, Arizona in January 2011. The killer favored this song on his YouTube channel, leading some media commentators to speculate over whether the killer was influenced by the tune.

In a statement posted at Drowning Pool's website, the band responded: "We were devastated this weekend to learn of the tragic events that occurred in Arizona and that our music has been misinterpreted, again. 'Bodies' was written about the brotherhood of the mosh pit and the respect people have for each other in the pit. If you push others down, you have to pick them back up. It was never about violence. It's about a certain amount of respect and a code."
This got a lot of exposure when Drowning Pool played Ozzfest in 2001. They were a huge hit with the crowd, and quickly moved up from the third to the second stage, even getting the main stage for some shows.
The World Wrestling Federation (now World Wrestling Entertainment) named this the official theme song of Summerslam. It got a lot of play on the WWF shows.
Although it was popular at the time, most radio stations took this song off their playlists after the 2001 terrorist attacks on the US. The chorus of "Let the bodies hit the floor" would not have been appropriate.
This was used in the 2002 Vin Diesel movie XXX and the 2001 Jet Li film The One.
Drowning Pool lead singer Dave Williams was found dead on August 14, 2002, when the band was touring with Ozzfest. It was determined the Williams, who was 30, had an undiagnosed heart condition.
When the US invaded Iraq in 2003, this was one of the songs they used to break the will of Iraqi soldiers. Heavy metal is not part of their culture, and this was exceptionally offensive and annoying to many of them, especially when played over and over by US forces.
82-year-old former aerospace engineer John Hetlinger auditioned with a performance of this song on the 2016 series of America's Got Talent. Hetlinger's rendition elicited huge cheers from the studio audience, shocked the judging panel and swiftly went viral.

CJ Pierce spoke to Loudwire about Hetlinger's performance shortly afterwards, saying, "I am so entertained by it. It's awesome to just see an 82-year-old man get out there and just belt out some metal - whether it was our song or any song, it was just killer to see him do that."

"Obviously he had a great time with the song and we have a great time with the song every night so it would be awesome to have him onstage with us."
"Bodies" is Drowning Pool's best known song, but its success was unexpected as it came along so naturally. "We were rocking out in the room, drinking a couple of beers and writing what you feel, guitarist C.J. Pierce reflected in Knotfest's Talk Toomey podcast. "And the song 'Bodies' just took on a life of its own, man."
While some artists get weird about their most famous song, claiming to hate it, Pierce is different. When the guitarist is at home, he often plays the tune. "I've got the mandolin over here and I'll do just like a mandolin version of 'Bodies,'" he said. "I'll do my own wacky versions of it 'cause it's just a fun song to mess with."

Comments: 50

George Pope from Richmond, BcIf you really want to offend Iraqis, use Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just want to have fun" & "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood (& any other gay anthems)
Nabeel from TxNowadays, metal is common almost everywhere
Dicksilk from Middle TennesseeI first caught this tune in either a TV series OR a movie on television within the last 6 months (it's currently Feb 2020.) It was NOT the Vin Diesel movie. Any other suggestions?
Ken from DallasAnd Jason "Gong" Jones had nothing to do with writing the Sinner album. The credits are listed incorrectly, it should have been Dave, not Jason.
Ken from DallasHEY!Noah from AZ.....did you know Dave well enough to know whether or not he had a "huge" cocaine habit? I seriously doubt you did, I don't ever recall Davey talking about Noah from Arizona. Nor do I recall Dave having a "huge" cocaine problem. Either way, you didn't know him well enough to speculate...and remember...there are people that love Dave and remember him the way he was. He was a kind and caring person, even to people like yourself. Coroner reports don't lie, but spreading lies definitely hurts the people who love Dave. PTP.
Randy from Rio De Janeiro, -Question about the video. Was the metal patient a member of the band?
David from Vallejo, Cahaha i played this on my skullcrushers (awesome!!!)
and i was also playing nazi zombies and it was epic!
i have mods so it was soo fun
anyways like some people have said this is a fun song
almost like a rally or getting ready for war
Corey from Richmond, VaR.I.P. Dave Williams
Cal from London, United KingdomOn a first listen I thought this was sung by Disturbed but then I saw it was sung by Drowning Pool. I think it would be cool if the song was played during a zombie massacre. Cheers...
Horace from Las Vegas, Nvone hit wonder, but what a song to be remembered for. I want to slam my head into a wall whenever I hear it.I might have bain bamage by now.
Lew from Dallas, TxDave had a heart condition, and, like a lot of people with a heart condition, it caught him by surprise. I actually had auditioned with Drowning Pool right before they met Dave. They were rehearsing at Universal Rehearsal in Dallas at the time. I lost their contact info and was never able to get back in touch with them, but I still have one of their demo cassettes laying around somewhere they gave me to practice with. They met Dave shortly thereafter and I ran into the guys here and there before they hit it big (at the time, I was forming the band I'm now fronting - Coilback). They are all really nice guys and it's sad Dave died because to me, Drowning Pool isn't the same without him.
Tyler from Washington, LaThis was a amazing song that we played a lot when we got Gears of War2, it fit 2 perfect. We memorized the entire song note by note in 3 days. My step-mom booted us out of the house because we scared the hell out of her.
Hannah from Statesville, NcRest in peace Dave
Logan from Stephenville,I like....especially when I play Halo 3 XD
Michelle from Brook Park, Mnhehehe..I like this song. My boyfrined got me to like it.
Jarett from Bellingham, MnOK!! READ THIS!!!!.......................Dave Williams died in 2001 on tour he was found dead in his bus dead..he had a heart problem (im not saying everything I no to much)Drowning Pool after Dave died got a new guy (he sucked) he left the band now they have Lead singer of Soil for Dps lead singer he is pritty good Soilders is good by him..Dave did alot of drinking I do not think he did drugs he probly did them once or twice but not addicted..Drowning pool had alot of good songs "Bodies" for one which means parting in a pit not death or anything (I thought that what it ment )..I went to see himin 2000 BEST CONCERT ever he just jumps around he sounds just like off album live..Anyway Dave dident know he had the heart problem..(muscle was dead in his heart)he could have lived if they caught it but sadly no..Daves 1 dream came true he buyt his parents a house.................."We are all going to hell, Ill save you a seat." -Dave Williams
Hailie from Sydney, AustraliaAbsolutly love it!!!! Freak'n awsome song!!!
Tommy from Marietta, GaThe song was played in the theatrical trailor for Jason X.
Mike from Falmouth, MaR.I.P. Dave Willims. Drowning Pool absolutely rocked when he was their vocalist. Since his tragic death it really hasn't and will never be the same. Sinner will be the album the Drowning Pool is Defined by and will overshadow all of their future work. Still, this is one of my favorite songs of All Time and that will never change.
Eric from Beaverton, OrThis song was featured in the 2001 movie "The One", starring Jet Li.
Tracie from Not Telling, MsWho gives a (deleted) what Dave died of he was a good man a real razor person so leave it at that its bad enough we lost him! R.I.P Dave williams forever you will live on
Mike from Petersham, MaSorry for the weird grammar at the end of my comment.
Mike from Petersham, MaThe Virginia Tech thing just happened and I was listening to the radio and the DJ was talking about it for a bit and then she looked at her playlist. Her quote: "Oh sh*t. I didn't plan this. Oh god (*laughs*) so many complaint letters. I'm sorry." Then with the worst timing on the planet this song came on. I'm sorry to anyone who can't find humor in dark places but this was the funniest thing I heard this.
Sarah from Hull, Englandi know it says this song isn't meant to have a deep meaing but to me it brings up ideas of concentration camps and the jews in the shower chambers and how theres nothing wrong with them yet they're still being punished.

what ever its meaning its still a kick ass song and great to mosh to whenever
Mike from Louey, Kymy brother is a soldier and i must say if anything gets soldiers pumped its this.
Joel from Lawrence, KsAs if we don't have enough violent songs already.
Still, I will listen to Drowning Pool when I am really pissed off.
Amandass from Buckley, WaYeah, this definately is a song to mosh ass to and trash something...even when its played at the little bar here, a small pit forms. and then we get bitched at by the owners haha
Christina from Arnold, MdI can see why a song with a chorus like "Let the bodies hit the floor" wouldn't be appreciated in the wake of 9/ll. I would feel kind of upset hearing something like that if a family member had been killed by terrorists.
Al from Nz, New ZealandRip dave, the new singer makes em sound like another seether or like puddle of mudd with 7 strings
Adam from Poplar Bluff, MoThis song was featured in just about every movie trailer in 2002. I didn't actually like this song, but I did like DP. RIP Dave.
Dani from ., NjDave did not die from a drug overdose on heroin. Dave actually died from an undiagnosed heart condition cardio-myopathy. NO DRUGS were found in his system per the coroners report.
Prophet from East Haven, VtDrowning Pool was one of the best bands ever... untill Dave died. the new singer sucks! i was priveliged with seeing DP in concert at Ozzfest before he died. and by the way, he died of an OD on heroin.
Cliff Dearing from Austin, TxJay in England: I just checked out your site and think that may sound about right. A heart condition. Man, what a shame!! Peace.
Cliff Dearing from Austin, TxI'll admit I was a late bloomer to find Drowning Pool. I first heard Bodies on a video at http://GrouchyMedia.com I think it is. The music is perfectly set to the vid or vice versa but the second I heard it, I was hooked. I just found out early this morning while surfing about the band that Dave died. I didn't know much about the band. Now, what I'd love to know is a cold, hard, factual link of how I can find out his actual cause of death. I only ask because I read, first, that he drowned in his vomit, then that it was heart failure. Both found here. Can anyone tell me where to find it out for sure? Thanks in advance. Definitely R.I.P. Dave. Nothin but steers and queers, huh? Drowning Pool threw that out the window!!
Jay from Lincolnshire, EnglandTo nick, dave died by drowning in his own vomit, i have made a site dedicated to him and drowning pool, please check it out www.freewebs.com/drowning_pool_fanclub
Kayla from Anchorage, AkLET THE BODIES HIT THE FLOOR obviously has to do with Moshing.. it has nothing to do with death
Dee from Indianapolis, InThis song is one of the few newer songs that I actually really like. It's a great tune for when your having one of those days or when you want to get pumped up.
Chris Owens from Belfast, Irelandi think the song is about psychotic and homicidal thoughts. (let the bodies hit the floor). it could also be about a person in psychiatric ward. he wanted in coz hes says hes crazt but now he wants out but hes not gettin out coz hes trapped there...muuhoohahaha. lol. just jokin i dont have any clue what the songs about but i agree with everyone else...this song rules. RIP DAVE WILLIAMS.
Vince from Philiadelphia, PaTo me this song is about completly loosing it and blowing everyone away. Not that I would ever want to do that though... But yeah, its realy about the mosh pit. RIP DAVE!
Scott from Louisville,ky.Regardless of any bad habits[drugs,alcohol]that Dave Williams had struggled with during his life,a heart defect eventually caused Heart failure.The rumor of a cocaine induced heart attack shouldn't be propetuated,because it's simply not true.He left his mark in this world that's for sure. RIP Dave
Shoni from Saginaw, MiRIP Dave Williams
Beth from MnMy friend used to have a program that played song backwards and tried out this one... the line, "let the Bodies Hit the Floor", came out as "Feel the One Rhythm." It was kind of creepy but really cool.
Paul from Pueblo, CoThis song is meaningful to some but yet again its is just a good song to others people dont realize that it does not have subliminal messages like some think so. Yeah this song is great. I love the old drowning pool before Dave died. Now I don't think they are so great because there is only one original member left
Jesse from Magna, Utthis song is supposed o be deep and meaningful. The whole cd is. If you out it all together it is about Dave and he comitted a sin. He doesnt want pity and he wont tell you what the sin is but the whol;e cd and title is aoubt him doing a sin and more about that sin. This cd is full of meaning. SOme of us need that music ear. Hint Hint.

RIP DAVE
Liam from London, EnglandHe died of a heart defect that he had (which hadn't been recognised by Doctors or Dave Williams himself) that was aggravated by the excessive drinking and rock and roll lifestyle he led.
Jay from Reading, EnglandDave Williams did not die of a drug O.D.
He died of massive heart failure due to continuous extreme on-stage movement combined with daily heavy drinking sessions.
They both eventually took their toll.
Noah from Glendale, Azdave williams died of a drug adiction, he was a coke addict
Michael from Baltimore, Mdit is a shame that dave williams died he was a great singer and what a great band

RIP DAVE
Nick from Paramus, NjThis band has the worst luck. First, the 9/11 attacks force the stations to take their big hit off the playlists and off of MTV, and then the singer dies! How horrible this band will probably be only a one-hit band now. Does anybody know how he died?
Erik from Davis, CaRIP Dave!

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