“Son of Sam” by Dead Boys
As the title suggests, this is a song that is in reference to the notorious serial killer, David Richard Berkowitz, famously known as Son of Sam. It was reported that this man caused the death of six Americans including a student. He was also known for his handwritten notes that he left behind after killing his victims. He was however, arrested in 1977 and sentenced to 25 years to life imprisonment. In his trial Berkowitz created the impression that he was not really aware of his actions and was then being controlled by a stronger force. According to him, he was influenced by a dog owned by his neighbor. It is this that the band tried to highlight in their song, “Son of Sam”.
In the track, the narrators create a character who is being directed by a stronger spirit to commit a number of crimes. The character in the song seems helpless and unable to resist the pressure from this external force.
Release Date
The song was released in 1978 and was the fifth track on the band’s album entitled “We Have Come for Your Children”.
The Real Atrocities of Son of Sam
Between 1971 and 1974, David Richard Berkowitz, widely known by the name Son of Sam, was a member of the United States Army. His first recorded criminal act was a year after leaving the army when he stabbed two ladies which included a high school student named Michelle Forman. His first notable crime was in 1976 when he fired at 18-year old Donna Lauria, a medical technician, and her pal, Jody Valenti, a 19-year old nurse.
After committing his crime, Son of Man, usually left a note at the scene, most of which contained the words: “I’ll be back! I’ll be back!”. In May 1977, he penned a letter to Jimmy Breslin, who worked as a columnist at the Daily News. In the letter, he made it seem like he was possessed and that the one controlling him will continue to kill until he is satisfied. He said, “Sam’s a thirsty lad and he won’t let me stop killing until he gets his fill of blood”.
Arrest and Imprisonment
Berkowitz was eventually arrested in August 1977 after a series of investigations. After questioning, he pleaded guilty and confirmed that he was the one behind all the crimes. Before appearing in court, he declined the advice by his attorney to use the insanity defense. He accepted all charges and was given a 25 year to life imprisonment sentence.
