Dittohead

Album: Divine Intervention (1994)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Running for 2 minutes and 31 seconds, "Dittohead" critiques the American legal system for being overly lenient towards criminals. The song does not outright condemn this permissiveness but rather reflects a more complex perspective on the issue.
  • "Dittohead" was a term coined by conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh and his fanbase. It originated from Limbaugh's show, where he encouraged callers who agreed with him to simply say "ditto" instead of repeating praise or agreement, ostensibly to save airtime. The term "dittohead" became a badge of honor for Limbaugh's fans. It represented a sense of community and shared values among his listeners. However, critics began using the term more negatively, implying uncritical acceptance of ideas.

    By using this title, Slayer likely aimed to evoke the controversial nature of Limbaugh's influence and the concept of unquestioning followers, while applying it to their own critique of the legal system.
  • Slayer guitarist Kerry King is credited as the sole writer of the lyrics and music to "Dittohead."
  • Most of Slayer's music is incredibly fast, but "Dittohead" is one of their fastest. Asked during a Metal Hammer fan Q+A what is the most difficult Slayer song to play, King replied:

    "I could go a number of ways with that, but I'll say 'Dittohead' for the sheer speed of it. That's probably our fastest song, and it's not one I'm looking to play live any time soon."

Comments: 4

  • David from Lakeland, Flactually the 2006 cd is christ illusion
  • Luke from Manchester, EnglandThe CD was called "God Hates Us All"
  • Alan from Cleveland, OhFunny, I always thought this was a reference to Rush Limbaugh's use of dittohead, someone who agrees with him. And Kerry King's humor at the idiots who go along with anything that jerk says, like sheep to slaughter!
  • Frank from Philadelphia, Msthe song mr. freeze is about a crazy serial killer who stalks and tourtures his victims it is a good song it says "I don't even know you , I just kno where you live, i've raided your child's bedroom, burned his virgin skin." SLAYER IS COMIN OUT WITH A NEW CD IN 2006 idk wat its goin to be called but it will be sweet indeed
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Van Dyke Parks

Van Dyke ParksSongwriter Interviews

U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?

Rosanne Cash

Rosanne CashSongwriter Interviews

Rosanne talks about the journey that inspired her songs on her album The River & the Thread, including a stop at the Tallahatchie Bridge.

P.F. Sloan

P.F. SloanSongwriter Interviews

P.F. was a teenager writing hits and playing on tracks for Jan & Dean when he wrote a #1 hit that got him blackballed.

Benny Mardones

Benny MardonesSongwriter Interviews

His song "Into The Night" is one of the most-played of all time. For Benny, it took him to hell and back.