Play Dead -

: An English gothic rock/post-punk band from Oxford formed in 1980. They were pioneers of the genre, though they often resisted the "Goth" label.

The phrase most commonly refers to several distinct cultural works, ranging from a classic gothic rock band to a modern horror thriller film and a popular indie song.

: "Play Dead" is a notable song by Björk (featuring David Arnold) originally written for the 1993 film The Young Americans . The lyrics describe using emotional numbness as a coping mechanism to "stop the hurting".

: A 2022 song titled "Play Dead" by NEFFEX deals with themes of gaslighting and toxic relationships, with a chorus centered on the idea of staying dead so a "monster" will get bored. Film and Gaming NEFFEX – Play Dead Lyrics - Genius