To The End by My Chemical Romance

Album: Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge (2004)

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Songfacts®:

This song is a story about a couple. Some people think that the story about the man relates to Gerard Way, the lead singer of My Chemical Romance. However, the man appears to be very rich, with few friends. He has a wife or girlfriend who is a gold digger, and possibly a prostitute. It seems as if the two will be married. >>
Suggestion credit:
becomesonumb - Coquitlam, Canada
This song is based on a short story by William Faulkner called A Rose for Emily. In the story, Emily falls in love with a man named Homer, but he is always looking at other men, so it is assumed that he is homosexual. She kills him with cyanide because he wouldn't marry her, then keeps his dead body in her room and sleeps with it. Gerard Way adds his own twist to the story though, with the line, "Down by the pool he doesn't have many friends as they are face down and bloated, snap a shot with the lens." This insinuates that she kills any man that he looks at as well. "If you marry me, would you bury me, would you carry me, to the end?" - this is what she wishes for. >>
Suggestion credit:
Rhiannon - Manchester, England
Just to be flashy, rhythm guitarist Frank Iero played this song with one hand during their American tour in 2005. >>
Suggestion credit:
Michael - Dallas, TX
Gerard explains why the elevator in the song only goes to 10: "I felt that picking a lower number would be like 'I can't get high enough' so I had to pick somewhere around 10. I felt like I just needed to get higher, like the top just isn't good enough. I think that's kind of a metaphor in how we feel and how we operate as a band, that the top isn't good enough since that's not what we're after. It's not good enough for us because we want to make a difference and actually change things. We don't just want things thrown at us."

Comments: 63

Oliver from TexasGuys, Gerard said they were unlabeled with his sexuality in 2014(I might have the year wrong but he did say it on Twitter). I know most of your comments were probably posted before they said that, but they never clarified what his sexuality was. He did talk about sexuality before but he never clarified. He is married to a woman but that doesn't mean they are straight. He has made out with lots of men but that doesn't mean he is gay. Why does it matter what their sexuality is? Just let him exist in peace. He is unlabeled, and let's leave it at that. Sound good? Good. I still don't understand why this was made out to be such a big deal anyway.
Rae from Buxton, NcI love this song I was rocking out to it today in the car. And everyone who thinks Gerard Way and Frank Iero are gay or bi because of Freard is sorely mistaking. What they are trying to prove is it doesn't matter what sex you are, love is love.
John from Sylvania, OhThis is about the gay/bi thing:
Gerard is married to Lyn-Z
Mikey Way is married to Alicia Simmons
Frank Iero is married to Jamia
Ray Toro married some girl named Christa.

I believe we can safely conclude that the members of MCR are, in fact, straight.
Sarah from Clovis, NmOMG all of you that say that gerard is gay or bi!! First of all who cares? Second of all almost all guys are bi to some extent!!
Indigo from Adelaide, AustraliaA Rose for Emily is a great book. My Chemical Romance changed the story but it still sounds really good. If you read the story you would know that Gerard isn't talking about himself when he says "he's always looking at men." I agree with Z, who cares if Gerard is gay or not? Although, i would like to point out as many other people have: Gerard is married to Lindsey from Mindless Self Indulgence, and has a baby daughter.
Carrie from Shavo\'s House :d, Armeniaoooook... Gerard's not gay XD hes married. This song is SOOO great!!!! I love Mcr :D
who the heck put Frank Lero? rofl!
Dana from Biloxi, Msactually, if you read a rose for emily, you find she poisoned him with arsenic. And they were never married. I believe she killed him because he wouldn't marry her. My Chemical Romance did a good verson of the story. Adding and changing things always adds a good twist (:
Alicia from Chicago, Ili love this song this chick no deviantart made an awesome comic for this song with lyrics and everything!
Z from Somewhere Over The Rainbow, WaBlah, blah, blah, why does everyone care whether or not Gerard is gay? As if he's ever going to date you! Honestly... This is an interesting song, I suppose. It sounds very similar to their other song "The Sharpest Lives," at least, in my opinion. Oh, and for you people who don't know how to spell or capitalize properly, you are all idiots. Go back to first grade. As in, now. I'm probably like, 4 years younger than all of you, except the squealing fangirls who are probaly like... 12 year olds with no lives. (I'm really pissed off at everyone right now, so shut up. I don't need your crap too.)
Latasha from Austin, Txwell gerard is gay...or possibly bi cause in one of their preformances he stuck his tounge in one of the band memebers mouth ((not sure who tho)) so when it said "He's not around; he's always looking at men" i thought he was talking about himself...yeaa
Caila from Louisville, OhJust so you know everybody his name is Frank Iero not Frank Lero...it drives me crazy when people do this
Justin from Bethlehem, PaI'm pretty sure that Gerard isn't gay, but I think he's bi-. MCR TO THE END!!!
Lauren from Leeds, EuropeTo be honest I don't care that much about what the lyrics mean because they r awesome lyrics. Oh and Gerard is not gay, I dont know about Bert McCracken, but gerard is not gay!! And what does it matter if he is anyway...
Teresa from Kelowna, Canadai think Gerard looked soooo hott with his black hair and red makeup!!!
Nic from Henneritta, NyThis is on 3 cheers for sweet revenge! its not on the black parade!! ok?
Laura from Southport, EnglandJust to clarify, Gerard is married to Lyn-Z from their latest tour backing group - Mindless Self Induldgence. They got married in Spetember. But shoot me down in flames if I'm wrong :) I LOVE this song. This is one of those songs were you can feel the passion and emotion MCR put into their music. Love ittt :D
Gawz from Vic, Australiaomfg i love this song its the best :( i didnt get to see them in concert :(
Yousuck from Indianapolis, InI've always thought he was hot. Even with the long hair and red eye make up.
Astrozombie from Chchgerards getting married! not to a man btw. and all u who think he's hot, well betcha didnt think that when he had long black hair and red eye make up. theyre super talented anyway love them xxxxxxx
AnonymousI LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE!!!!! BUT GREEN DAY IS COOL 2!!!! BUT GREEN DAY IS GETTIN KINDA OLD!!!!! GERARD IS HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MRC ROX HARD !!! THEY R #1
AnonymousI SOOOOOOOOO LOVE THEM DUDES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY R DA BEST BAND EVA EXEPT FOR GREEN DAY!!!! BUT GREEN DAY IS GETTIN KINDA OLD. GERARD IS HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
Jordyn from Ogden, UtWho cares about gerard's, or any one elses personal life. Its the music that matters. As long as i can listen to their music, i'm good.
Jordyn from Ogden, UtI love all My Chemical Romance songs they are the best band ever! I love their music videos.
Suzie from North Bergen, NjIsn't he dating Hillary Duff? There was a picture of them in In Touch. Seems like a wierd match to me.
Elizabeth from Peoria, IlAlthough I agree that the seemless change into Dead! on Welcome to the Black Parade is genius.
Elizabeth from Peoria, IlThis song isn't even on the same album as "Dead!". You must be thinking of "The End." "To The End" is from Three Cheer for Sweet Revenge.
Zach from Carlsbad, CaExcelent how it goes seamlessly into Dead!
Haizel from Anchorage, Akgerard said he will never get married.
Haizel from Anchorage, Aki agree with you shelly!
Haizel from Anchorage, Akand no miss smart ass he does not have a g/f named katie her name is katmando and they recently broke up happy with her my ass with her my ass..and wtf he never dated amylee wtf?!????!? hahahahahahahahaaaaaa!!!!!!!! freard blievers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i think that geradr way and frank iero are dating but thats my opinion gerard saud he only kisses frank on stage to get the homophobs mad but i think hes lying and gerard did say he lies alot and yes gerard also use to date bert because on Q&A they were talking about their first date and gerard is indeed either bi or gay.
Grace from Anchorage, CanadaMCR is the best !!weeee !this song roxs!i love the guitar solo!!oh ,and by the way GERARD IS NOT GAY ,thats just a silly rumor that people without a life made up.
Loren from ...?, PaI'm not saying that the song is or is not based on a book, for I am not even loosely connected to My Chemical Romance and would not know what it is truly about. But when I first heard this song, I thought that it was about a very sad man who was going to be married at one point but the bride got scared and left him. He looks at other men not so much in a homosexual way but in a way of comparing how happy they are to his misery. The girl that was once going to be his bride has left him before the wedding and became a prostitute because she was afraid of commitment before committing suicide. To me, the chorus expresses how much he misses her and wishes she would have married him when she could have.
Elizabeth from J-ville, Flsong based off of William Faulkner, yeah.
Joey Lopez from Avondale, PaThis song was based on a short story by William Faulkner, "A Rose For Emily". Emily falls in love with a man named Homer.. however he's always looking at men, so it is assumed that he's homosexual. Anyway she ends up killing him (he won't marry her when she proposes) with cyanide, and keeps his dead body in her room, where she sleeps with it. So unless it's a coincidence I think that is what the song is about.
Nikki from Melbourne, AustraliaI think the song, to the end.. is about a couple.. she only married him for the money and he only married her to have a wife.. its sounds as though there relationship is worth nothing and they have no real feelings for each other.. its as if he's saying they will be buried never knowing true love.
Cassie from Somewhere, NcCerise,

#1 when you go to that url it doesnt prove anything. #2 if you're talking about him kissing another man..just because you enjoy kissing men doesnt mean you're gay or bi or w/e the freak. I have heard from Gerard AND Frankie (LOTMS- Making of Helena video) that they have kissed other men. Who cares? That doesnt mean they are gay. And if you want my opinion on people getting into their personal lives, go to the top of this page.
Janessa from Guymon, Okseriously,even if Gerard is gay or bi,we still have to remember that he doesn't makeup the entire band,even though in my opinion he is really talented and hott.why is there so much controversy around Gerards' being gay/bi,I mean there are a ton of gay/bi celebrities.I don't get it.is it because he is a rockstar?
Chris from Tampa Bay, FlHey i haven't commented on MCR in forever..so ashamed lol anyways i saw them for the first time at the Next Big Thing 5 and they performed like the best show ever..it was so awesome seeing the whole band live..there awesome live too..but is there anyway anyone can get more songfacts on here? I'd love to know the facts to honey this mirror isn't big enough for the both of us and the jetset life is gonna kill you..thanks
Cerise from L.a., CaOk. All my questions are finally answered by this picture: http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=935
Yes, Frank IS a homosexual and I think Gerard is bi or gay as well. I guess a picture really is worth a thousand words... Regardless, I think they still rock.
Colin from Richmond, CanadaFor those who are too damned lazy to read the story, I picked out some parts of the store that are very similar to the lyrics in the song.

"It smelled of dust and disuse--a close, dank smell."
(He's always choking from the stench and the fume)

"She looked bloated, like a body long submerged in motionless water, and of that pallid hue."
(Face down and bloated snap a shot with the lens)

"So SHE vanquished them, horse and foot, just as she had vanquished their fathers thirty years before about the smell."
(He's always choking from the stench and the fume)

"That was two years after her father's death and a short time after her sweetheart--the one we believed would marry her --had deserted her."
(The wedding party all collapsed in the room)

"so they were not surprised when the smell developed."
(He's always choking from the stench and the fume)

"She did that for three days, with the ministers calling on her, and the doctors, trying to persuade her to let them dispose of the body."
(Would you bury me?)

"Like when she bought the rat poison, the arsenic."
(For the hearts you break and all the cyanide you drink)

""She will marry him." Then we said, "She will persuade him yet,""
(Would you marry me?)

"he liked men, and it was known that he drank with the younger men in the Elks' Club"
(He's not around he's always looking at men)

"Then we were sure that they were to be married. We learned that Miss Emily had been to the jeweler's and ordered a man's toilet set in silver, with the letters H. B. on each piece. "
(Would you marry me?)

"A thin, acrid pall as of the tomb seemed to lie everywhere upon this room decked and furnished as for a bridal."
(He calls the mansion not a house but a tomb)

"The man himself lay in the bed."
(Would you bury me?) **The man is dead in the bed, and has been dead in the bed for months**

"The body had apparently once lain in the attitude of an embrace."
(Would you carry me to the end?)
Nives from Ottawa, CanadaGerard isn't gay, give the guy a break. he's just an attention whore with Bert. but who doesn't love him? Id say he's metrosexual though.
Katie from Presque Isle, MeTo what Krystin said...I just wanna say that this song is not about Gerard being bi, no matter if he is or isn't. All I'm saying is...go read a short story called "A Rose For Emily" by William Faulkner...and you should understand what this song means.
Natalie from Toronto, Canadahe has a girlfriend i watch much 911 and he was there and somebody asked him if he wanted to kiss a girl named Leah and he sad I would but i have a girlfriend! oh and now he has blond highlights! how cute!
Helena from Everett, MaUmmmm lets see Gerard is so hott! I met him in NorthHampton, MA then i saw him at the Galleria Mall i ran into him! He said if i was his age then he would date me. Just to let u know before gerard and mcr was working with iball records and so Gerard wasn't that famous so he could show alot of things with men, now they r working with eyeball records and they r getting more and more famous so he can't show the bi stuff cause then people will stop likeing them, Everyone says that he has a Girlfriend named OLIVIA. He doesn't there r no pictures not bio of her he even said in an interview that he loved the name Olivia for a girl. But he is dating Bet McCraken he is so not married. He also said that he is not the marriage type. Also, everyone says that he is very rich THEY R NOT they r regular people that r trying to do a band and be good at it,(they r) Take my word for this, it is true, I MET HIM AND I KNOW!!!! He was on MTV and he brought Bert and they made out right in front of the CAMERA and he also said that he has seen Bert naked. So this is all true! Also all of his songs on 3 cheers for sweet revenge are ment for Bert and him and the only reason why he says she alot is because people will take it the wrong way! The song u know what they do u guys like us in prison is for Bert and how they made out and met in jail in the video and song, he also sings it with him too! Gerard never talks about OLIVIA CAUSE SHE IS NOT REAL!!!!! GERARD HAD 1 GF, amy lee from evanescence AND HE HAD TO BF;s ADAM and NOW BERT McCRAKEN! THis is all true
Shelly from Louisville, KyI absolutely LOVE My Chemical Romance! I don't think it matters if Gerard Way is straight, gay, or bi because his music is kick ass! Not to mention he is pretty effing hot! But besides that MCR is probably the most talented band around right now.
Ally from London, EnglandPersonally, I don't care if he's gay/ bi or whatever. His music kicks ass! And stop labelling people. Who are we to judge his private life? It should be all about the music. To the End is just a story like most other songs. Enjoy MCR!
Me from A Place, Caokay, lets all calm down, we all know that gerard way is "hot" persay, but he still has a life, and he has a girlfriend, so just forget about it.And lets not forget about the other guys, they do make the band the band you know. Like what about the poofy haired guy? he's a good guitarist , right? right. you guys make me laugh. (they are actually a really talented band though, they should win something.) THREE CHEERS FOR MCR!!!!
Jessica from Gaithersburg, Mdwho cares if gerard is gay or bi or anything else. hes still awesome. but the guy has a girlfriend and might be getting engaged.. hes still a beautiful person and he has alot of talent. but it does make me wonder what he is = lol
Leah from Txok. this is about that gay thing. omfg. he MIGHT be gay but i seriously doubt it. as much as i want to believe that all of them will marry me someday, i know its not going to happen. but seriously i dont think you can just call a person bisexual or gay without knowing them first! gosh! dont you people have any common sense? that all goes along the lines of dont judge ppl. just because they are "celebreties" doesnt mean that everyone can just assume who they are just because of the lyrics or the way they dress or in gerard's case how they do their makeup. so cmon! give those guys a break because none of you know them and im not saying that i do either. just listen to yourselves.
Alex from New York City, Nyi love gerard way and mcr. i love their style and the lyrics and his voice. and it really ticks me off when people say he's straight just becuase they're in love with him. im obsessed, but i know he's bi, and i support it, but i really want to hear it in an interveiw or something. Does any1 here know where (on the internet) i could find an interview like that? oh and this is my fist post. it says my name is alex: im a girl
Colin from Duluth, Mnyou can say the singer gerard way is as gay, bi, or straight as you want but remember the facts:

1.)he supports gays/bis and talks about them on a daily basis(which is in no way bad, its a good thing) 2.)the prison song is about getting raped in prison, which would mean having gay sex. he even said so in an interview that it was about that. 3.)he kisses bert from the used and makes out with him publicly 4.)in this song (to the end) he refers to homosexuality by saying 'hes always looking at men.' 5.)in high school he was an outcast and often called a 'fag' by his peers.(he says that in an interview, too.) 6.)he does have a girlfriend now named katie and is very happy with her. 7.)he is known to kiss frank iero from the band(who is probably bi) and they have been known to bring gay pride banners to events with them. 8. there are earlier interviews when he says hes bi, and in more recent interview he says hes straight.

obviously, with him being a rockstar it wouldnt be good for gerard or frank or anyone else in a big band to openly say they're gay or bi. im bi and wouldnt openly say that if i was nationally recognized and on mtv in a big band but i would support gay rights and kiss guys on stage to cause controversy. hey! thats what gerard way does! hes bi, get over it!
Krystin from Damscus, MdJust to add something on to the "Gerard isn't bi" thing Laura said...
If you listen to the lyrics, and REALLY pay attention, you can find things hinting to it.
Like in "You Know What They do to Guys Like Us in Prison", he sings
"How we're just two men as God had made us, Well, I can't...well, I can!
Too much, too late, or just not enough of this
Pain in my heart for your dying wish, I'll kiss your lips again."
He sings "How we're just two MEN as god had made us" then he sings "I'll kiss your lips AGAIN".
That made me think that "Guys like us" might be reffering to gays or bisexuals.

also, in To the End (this song) he sings
"Hes always looking at men"
why would HE be looking at MEN if he wasn't gay? (or bi)

Yeah, just thought I'd point that out

I do love the band, and the song, and Gerard. He IS hot.
I haven't heard their old CD but I'll get it soon
Katrina from Carmichael, Ca In my opinion....My Chemical Romance is one of the best bands out in a long time. I love his lyrics. I like his style.....I think it's really awesome that he's straight-edge now, because he used to be a mojor alcoholic, and cocaine addict, but now he doesn't do anything but smoke ciggs. I think that's what made me have complete respect for him, besides his talent. I mean all of the band members are talented, because it wouldn't be MCR without 'em....but I think it's cool how he had the will power....I wish I had will power! You know I haven't listened to the old cd!! I'm glad people in here are saying it's good, because I LOVE thier new album, so I can't wait to listen to it!!
hey Elliot, St. Louis, MO .... I think it's kool that you like MCR and no one you know doesn't, because that makes you evenmore different from anybody else there...but I do know that A LOT of guys here LOVE MCR... they think they rock..so just rock on and don't fret :P
Chase from Avon, InMy Chemical Romance is an awesome band, and this is an awesome song. And ur not gay if ur the only guy to buy their CD. I agree with Jeremy, that the other guys rt just missin out. Their new CD, in my opinion, is WAYYY better than the first, but Vampires Will Never Hurt You is a great song too. YOU ROCK MCR!!!
Mia from Vanderfrift, PaI must agree with my fellow fans the song is awsome now i will leave u with a quote "Be Excellent to each other"-Bill&Ted oh and "Party on!!"
Sarah from Glasgow, United Statesthis song (may i say) has a really good party potential..the beat is made for dancing to....love the chorus and its a really meaningful song!
Kelsey from Springfield, IlThis song is pretty good. I think that I'm not okay (i promise) is their best song. Helena is awesome too. This song has meanings, alot of their songs do.
Florry from Swansea, WalesThis song is awesome. i Love it! and it seems all of their songs have meanings, which makes them an awesome band
Olivia from Rumson, NjAwesome. Everything they do is awesome. I love them. I am seriously ob-SESSED.
Jeremy from Cantonment, FlThey are an awesome band, and being the only guy to buy it doesn't mean you are gay, it means the other guys are missing out.
Elliot from St. Louis, MoI went out and bought the CD about a month ago, and it is great. This song is pretty good, it wasn't that good until a read the lyrics, and it made more sense and i liked it better. I feel weird, cuz i'm like the only guy i know who actually bought the album. Does that make me gay? It just seems weird since they are such a good band, but i am the only guy i know who likes them. Maybe my friends just dont have good taste in music.
Zac from Charlotte, NcYeah Gerard is a great leadman... And MCR rocks hard and displays a lot of emotion for an emo band there reinventing the genre...
Sarah from Quito, South Americaall i can say is that this song has an awesome chorus. just read it, and listen to him sing it, after reading they lyrics to a song, there is so much more you can get from actually listening to it, and the way they say each word,i deffinately recomend this song and cd

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