What if the dreamy, nostalgic tunes of Cults were hiding something far darker beneath their surface?

From their breakout hit “Go Outside” to their hauntingly beautiful albums, Cults has always had an air of mystery—but few fans realize just how deep the shadows go.

In this article, we’ll uncover five dark secrets about Cults that will make you listen to their music in a whole new light.

1. The Chilling True Story Behind “Go Outside”

On the surface, “Go Outside” is an upbeat, sun-soaked anthem, but its lyrics hint at something far more sinister.

The song was inspired by the infamous Jonestown massacre, where cult leader Jim Jones led over 900 people to their deaths.

Lines like “I really want to go outside / I really want to feel the sun” take on a horrifying new meaning when you realize they echo the final moments of Jones’ followers.

2. The Band’s Name Isn’t Just Ironic

Cults didn’t choose their name randomly—it’s a deliberate nod to their fascination with mind control and manipulation.

In interviews, Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion have admitted to studying real-life cults for lyrical inspiration.

Their 2017 album “Offering” even includes audio clips from cult recruitment tapes, blurring the line between art and eerie reality.

3. The Haunting Sample in “Bad Things”

Fans of the song “Bad Things” might not realize it features a sample from a 1960s educational film about… brainwashing.

The eerie voice repeating “This is the bad thing” was lifted from a Cold War-era propaganda reel, adding a layer of psychological unease to the track.

It’s a subtle touch, but once you notice it, the song feels more like a warning than a love letter.

4. Their Lyrics Are Filled with Cult Imagery

Dig into Cults’ discography, and you’ll find references to isolation, devotion, and lost identity everywhere.

“You Know What I Mean” includes the line “I’ll follow you into the dark,” a possible nod to blind obedience.

Even their album art often features imagery of UFOs and apocalyptic scenes, tying back to their obsession with fringe groups.

5. The Band’s Own Near-Breakup Was Strangely Cult-Like

In a twist of irony, Cults almost imploded due to their own intense, insular dynamic.

Follin and Oblivion dated for years before a messy breakup, and their working relationship became fraught with tension.

Fans speculate that their 2013 hiatus mirrored the collapse of a cult—once the leader falters, the whole system crumbles.

Next time you press play on a Cults song, listen closely.

Their music isn’t just catchy—it’s a carefully crafted exploration of the darkness lurking behind charisma and control.

Will you ever hear them the same way again?