Meaning of Animals by Maroon 5

In Maroon 5's hit song "Animals," we are taken on a dark and intense journey through the theme of obsession and desire. The lyrics tell a story of a person consumed by their infatuation, hunting down and consuming their object of desire "like animals." Each lyric adds a layer to this theme, delving deeper into the complex and disturbing mindset of the protagonist.One of the standout lyrics in the song is "So what you tryin' to do to me? It's like we can't stop, we're enemies. But we get along when I'm inside you." Here, the lyrics explore the twisted nature of the protagonist's relationship. They acknowledge the conflicting emotions and the volatile dynamic between two people who are drawn together despite the underlying hostility. This lyric develops the idea that the protagonist's obsession is so strong that they are willing to overlook any animosity to satisfy their desires.Another intriguing lyric in "Animals" is "You're like a drug that's killin' me. I cut you out entirely. But I get so high when I'm inside you." This line introduces the idea that the protagonist is aware of the poisonous effects of their infatuation. They understand the destructive nature of their desire, yet they cannot resist its allure. This lyric highlights the addictive quality of obsession, where the protagonist acknowledges the harm it causes but is unable to break free from its grip.The pre-chorus of the song adds another layer of complexity to the overall theme. It says, "Yeah, you can start over, you can run free. You can find other fish in the sea. You can pretend it's meant to be. But you can't stay away from me." Here, the lyrics explore the protagonist's possessive nature. They acknowledge that their object of desire has options, but they also make it clear that no matter how hard the other person tries to escape, they will always be drawn back. This lyric emphasizes the idea that obsession knows no bounds and that the protagonist's hold on their prey is unyielding.Moving on to the second verse, the lyrics state, "I love your lies, I'll eat 'em up. But don't deny the animal that comes alive when I'm inside you." In this verse, the lyrics delve into the concept of trust and manipulation. The protagonist admits to relishing in the lies told by their object of desire and feasting on them. These lies fuel the obsession and contribute to the protagonist's distorted perception of love. The lyric also introduces the concept of unleashing the animal within, suggesting that their desire brings out an untamed and predatory nature.Finally, in the post-chorus, we encounter the lyrics, "Don't tell no lie-li-li-lie. You can't deny-ny-ny-ny. That beast inside-si-si-side." Here, the lyrics highlight the primal instincts that drive the protagonist's obsession. They tap into the raw, animalistic desire that cannot be suppressed. The repetition of "lie" and "deny" emphasizes the impossibility of ignoring or escaping the protagonist's intense longing. This lyric contributes to the overall theme by reminding us that the pursuit of desire can bring out the savage aspects of human nature.In conclusion, Maroon 5's "Animals" takes us on a dark and twisted exploration of obsession and desire. The lyrics expose the protagonist's insatiable hunger and the lengths they are willing to go to fulfill their infatuation. Each lyric contributes to the development of these themes and uncovers unexpected facets of the protagonist's mindset. Through their explicit and imaginative storytelling, Maroon 5 presents us with a haunting portrayal of the predatory side of love, leaving an indelible mark on our understanding of desire and its consequences.