The heavy metal anthem that was once pulled from the radio

Countries & Cities · Published 13 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In 2001, Drowning Pool's breakout hit 'Bodies' became a cultural phenomenon. Yet, following the September 11 attacks, the song was briefly removed from radio stations. While many feared its aggressive lyrics signaled violence, the band's original intent was far more communal and much less sinister.

Released in May 2001 as part of the debut album Sinner, 'Bodies' is characterized by its heavy use of the wah pedal and a lyrical structure that counts from one to four. While the song's intense chorus and the repeated phrase 'let the bodies hit the floor' have led to various controversies, the band's original vocalist, Dave Williams, clarified that the song was actually about the 'brotherhood of the moshpit.' He described it as a way to leave one's troubles at the door, provided there is a code of respect for others in the pit.

The song's legacy is marked by both massive commercial success and dark associations. It reached number 6 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart in August 2001 and has since been certified platinum, with over one million digital copies sold. However, the track has been linked to several tragic events. In 2011, it was associated with the shooting of Congresswoman Gabby Giffords after a perpetrator's YouTube favorites were discovered. Additionally, the song was played during the interrogation of Mohamedou Ould Salahi at Guantanamo Bay in 2003, and was being played by a teenager during a fatal shooting in February 2003.

Beyond the controversy, 'Bodies' has become a staple of professional wrestling and popular media. It served as the theme for the 2001 WWF SummerSlam and the ECW brand from 2006 to 2007. Its reach extends into modern animation and even into the 2025 AEW Double or Nothing event. Despite the heavy, aggressive sound, critics like Annie Zaleski of Spin have recognized its musical significance, naming it one of the best nu metal tracks of all time.

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