Lyric discussion by TheEcho 

Cover art for Nocturama lyrics by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds

This sounds like the singer is also a part of the zoo (the chain around his ankle, him mentioning how he wants out).

Although it can be read literally, it almost sounds like a metaphor for fame.

The lines "When will you take me from this place Where hope and hopelessness collide?" are pleading whomever he is addressing in the song.

It is tempting to see this as autobiographical but sometimes a song is just a song. The way Cave is singing here is wonderful, however.

My Interpretation