Wolf Pack
The Vaccines Lyrics

The Vaccines' song "Wolf Pack" is a playful but slightly standoffish conversation between two strangers. The song opens with a question about the world from the singer’s point of view, asking what's out there, and where exactly they've been. They assert their aversion to planes and take a more personal view on exploration - simply taking their push bike on the road. This sets up the theme of adventure and invites us to imagine a typical off-the-grid traveler. The chorus "Run with the wolves, callin’ all the wolf pack" suggests a desire for community and companionship but paradoxically, the character avoids engaging with the new person they meet. Over the upbeat melody, we hear the singer express their intention to distance themselves from the stranger. The message is clear: the main character isn't interested in getting to know a wild and unpredictable person like the other. The use of the word 'crazy' in the second verse is interesting as it could be a nod to a broader societal conversation about mental illness and problematic ways people use language to describe those with mental health issues. The singer manages to characterize the stranger as 'wild' without judgment, which highlights their tolerance but at the same time, reinforces their choice not to engage.

The overall tone of the song suggests a certain liberating feeling that comes from being able to assert one's boundaries and take control of one's social situation. The character is somewhat reserved and introverted, preferring their straight ways, while acknowledging the wildness of the other person. The Vaccines cleverly highlight an unorthodox way of living and make it known that while they don't have all the answers to life, they are comfortable with not conforming to societal norms.