The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Why do all my friends now want to be your lovers?
Your family got bigger when they thought you were rich
And now like maniacs
They scratch your back
Even when it doesn't itch
I want to figure it all
I want to figure it all out
I want to save you from
Save you from all that's vain
Save you from the things that cause us pain
'Cause it's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you
It's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you, my love
They believe you now have everything you wanted
And once you have become a star
You've got no right to bitch
But someday when you fail
They'll put you on sale
And buy you by the inch
But you're the real deal
And 'real' is your middle name
You know, sometimes I feel
Got to earn every breath we take, baby
Never mind the rules we break
'Cause it's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you
It's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to rip you right off
With you I feel safe
There's nothing to fear from us
Away from the fangs, the fangs of the world
I may be a coward, but you are brave
And nothing seems so dangerous
'Cause it's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you
It's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to rip you right off
Cannibal world
Cannibal world
Cannibal world
Cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you, my love
Your family got bigger when they thought you were rich
And now like maniacs
They scratch your back
Even when it doesn't itch
I want to figure it all
I want to figure it all out
I want to save you from
Save you from all that's vain
Save you from the things that cause us pain
'Cause it's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you
It's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you, my love
They believe you now have everything you wanted
And once you have become a star
You've got no right to bitch
But someday when you fail
They'll put you on sale
And buy you by the inch
But you're the real deal
And 'real' is your middle name
You know, sometimes I feel
Got to earn every breath we take, baby
Never mind the rules we break
'Cause it's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you
It's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to rip you right off
With you I feel safe
There's nothing to fear from us
Away from the fangs, the fangs of the world
I may be a coward, but you are brave
And nothing seems so dangerous
'Cause it's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you
It's an animal city
It's a cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to rip you right off
Cannibal world
Cannibal world
Cannibal world
Cannibal world
So be obedient, don't argue
Some are ready to bite you, my love
Lyrics submitted by Mechilah68
Animal City Lyrics as written by Shakira Mebarak Luis Fernando Ochoa
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think Jac has hit the meaning spot on. This is truly a song, as are the majority of her songs, that speaks volumes about various ideas while avoiding the standard popular music cliches.