Meaning of Personal Property by Def Leppard

In the rock music industry, there are certain songs that resonate deeply with listeners, and Def Leppard's "Personal Property" is undeniably one of them. Released as part of their acclaimed album, Hysteria, this song dives into the intriguing concept of possessiveness and ownership within a romantic relationship. Although the overall theme is centered around possessiveness, the lyrics in "Personal Property" cleverly explore various unexpected themes, adding layers of complexity to the song.One of the standout lyrics in this song is "She can walk on water, Yeah she can walk in my room." This lyric introduces the idea that the subject of the song, the beloved woman, possesses an extraordinary power over the narrator. It symbolizes her ability to defy limits and boundaries, both figuratively and literally. While on the surface, this line might seem like a simple expression of admiration, it delves deeper into the theme of autonomy and the concept of one person's impact on another's world. It suggests that the narrator perceives this woman as someone who can transcend boundaries and transform his surroundings.Another intriguing lyric that should not be overlooked is "She's got a kiss like fire, She burns the lips right off my face." This line takes the metaphorical power of this woman's allure to the next level, attributing it to a destructive force. The use of fire is symbolic of passion and intensity, highlighting the overwhelming nature of their connection. This lyric intensifies the possessiveness theme in the song, suggesting that the woman possesses the ability to consume and overpower the narrator. It also evokes the idea that love can be both captivating and hazardous, leaving nothing untouched in its wake.Moving further into the song, the chorus presents a captivating and imaginative sequence of lyrics: "She's personal property, Personal service, personal touch, Exclusively mine, thank you so much. She's a heart-stopping, brain-thudding, Blood-pumping, knee-trembling, Spine-crushing, tongue-tying, Personal property." These lyrics intricately develop the notion of possession and exclusivity within the relationship. The repetition of "personal property" emphasizes the possessiveness felt by the narrator, reinforcing the idea that the woman is exclusively his. The subsequent descriptions, such as "heart-stopping" and "spine-crushing," convey the intense physical and emotional impact she has on him. These descriptions add an unexpected layer to the song, exploring the notion that possession can be both thrilling and overwhelming, leading to an almost intoxicating obsession.Further along, the lyric "But she don't need no monkey, not my babe, Because I'm her Tarzan and she's my Jane" presents a unique and imaginative perspective on the possessiveness theme. It introduces the idea that despite the desire to possess and protect the woman, the narrator acknowledges her strength and independence. By referring to themselves as Tarzan and Jane, iconic literary characters known for their mutual love and devotion, the narrator essentially conveys a sense of equality within their relationship, acknowledging that they both bring something valuable to the table. This lyric adds depth to the song, highlighting the importance of balance and acknowledging that love should not be about establishing dominance but rather celebrating the unique qualities each partner brings to the relationship.In conclusion, Def Leppard's "Personal Property" explores the theme of possessiveness within a romantic relationship, but it goes beyond the surface level descriptions one might expect. Through its standout lyrics, the song delves into unexpected and imaginative themes, revealing the complexities of love, passion, power, and the delicate balance between autonomy and possessiveness. By examining these lyrical themes, we gain a deeper understanding of the psychological nuances at play in relationships and perhaps come to appreciate the intricate dance between love, freedom, and the craving to possess what we hold dear.