Meaning of Animal by Def Leppard

In the rock pantheon of the 80s, no band captivated audiences quite like Def Leppard. With their catchy hooks, powerful guitar riffs, and infectious energy, they became pioneers of the melodic hard rock genre. One song that exemplifies their signature sound is "Animal," a fiery anthem that explores primal desires and untamed passion. Beneath its energetic facade, "Animal" delves into the various dimensions of human nature, evoking unexpected themes through its standout lyrics.The song begins with a wild ride over stony ground, suggesting a raw and unpredictable journey lies ahead. This sets the stage for the overarching theme of intense longing and desire. The line, "Just like a river runs, like a fire needs flame, oh, I burn for you," reveals the insatiable thirst for another's touch. It speaks to the universal human yearning for connection and intimacy.As the chorus kicks in, the lyrics "I got to feel it in my blood, whoa, oh, I need your touch don't need your love, whoa, oh" further reinforce the theme of intense physical desire. Here, Def Leppard explores the distinction between lust and love, highlighting the biological aspect of attraction while acknowledging that emotional attachment is not necessary for the craving to be fulfilled.Digging deeper into the verses, "Animal" unravels additional layers of its themes. In the second verse, the line, "I cry wolf, given mouth to mouth, like a moving heartbeat, in the witching hour," introduces the idea of seduction and danger. The wolf metaphor symbolizes both the predatory nature of desire and the deceptive allure it possesses. This lyric hints at the thrill and risk associated with the pursuit of passion.The following line, "I'm running with the wind, a shadow in the dust, and like the driving rain, hey, like the restless rust, I never sleep," delves into the relentless nature of desire. It suggests that once awakened, the hunger for fulfillment is ceaseless, akin to the ongoing forces of wind, shadow, rain, and rust. The lyrics evoke the idea that this desire never truly rests, constantly driving individuals to seek satisfaction.Moving to the third verse, the lyrics "Cry wolf baby, cry tough, going to hunt you like an, uh, uh, animal, going to take your love and run" introduce a more confrontational aspect of desire. Here, Def Leppard portrays the intensity of pursuing someone's affection, comparing it to the primal instincts of a predator relentlessly tracking its prey. The lyrics insinuate a sense of dominance and determination, showcasing a side of desire that borders on wild and untamed.The chorus resurfaces, emphasizing the recurring theme of longing and lust. It reminds listeners that the desire in question is instinctual, unapologetic, and primal. The prominent repetition of the phrase, "And I want, and I need, and I lust, animal," drives home the central idea that desire can consume one's entire being, morphing them into a creature driven solely by their own primitive cravings.As the song reaches its conclusion, the outro lyrics expand on the themes of submission and control. The repeated lines "And I want, and I need, and I lust, animal" echo the idea of surrendering oneself to these deep-rooted instincts. The lyrics portray a yearning to be shown, stroked, and ultimately allowed to become an animal through the connection with another.In essence, "Animal" ventures beyond the surface of desire and explores the complex nature of human instincts. Through its creative and imaginative lyrics, the song delves into the primal desires that dwell within us all, expressing the universal longing for intimacy and connection. Def Leppard invites us to embrace the untamed animal within, reminding us that desire exists on a primal plane and is a fundamental part of our human experience.