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."
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