ANIMA!’s debut album Not At This Time is out on Friday January 13, 2023. Also available in immersive Dolby Atmos on Apple Music, the three lead up singles feature their powerful female vocal, uplifting beats and their signature colorful sound world that they have become most celebrated for.
Toughest Man
ANIMA! Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Distraction his ammunition on your heart
Cleans up so good you won't notice
He is hollow, covered up the fragile parts
Give it up man, understand that it's not your fault
They've given you a rock for a heart
Put down those guns you can just let those tears fall
Works so hard so it looks easy
Keep those shades on, we all need that mystery
Fight that fight, that backwards current
Keep it chill, don't feel too deeply or they'll see
Give it up man, understand that it's not your fault
They've given you a rock for a heart
Put down those guns you can just let those tears fall
The toughest man ain't no man after all
Is he fact or is he fiction?
Distraction his ammunition on your heart
Put down those guns you can just let those tears fall
The toughest man ain't no man after all
The lyrics of ANIMA!'s song Toughest Man talk about a person who appears tough on the outside but is fragile and vulnerable on the inside. The first verse questions if this person is real or just made up, referring to how their distractions and tactics to protect themselves from emotional pain and vulnerability can make them seem like a fictional character. They clean up well, but it's just a facade to cover up their fragile parts. The second verse talks about how this person works hard to maintain their image of being cool, calm, and collected. They fight against their emotions and keep up the appearance of mystery by wearing shades. They are warned not to feel too deeply, or else they risk exposing their true selves.
The chorus, "Give it up man, understand that it's not your fault, they've given you a rock for a heart. Put down those guns you can just let those tears fall, the toughest man ain't no man, after all," is a plea for this person to stop hiding their emotions and instead accept that they are allowed to feel and show vulnerability. The rock for a heart refers to the emotional blockages they have built up to protect themselves. The toughest man is not a man who can hide their sensitivity, but one who can embrace it and face their emotions head-on.
Overall, Toughest Man is a poignant reminder that it's okay to be vulnerable and that true strength comes from facing and accepting one's emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Is he fact or is he fiction?
Is he a real, living person or just a character in a story?
Distraction his ammunition on your heart
He uses distractions to protect himself from getting hurt emotionally.
Cleans up so good you won't notice
He appears clean and put-together, so people don't see his flaws.
He is hollow, covered up the fragile parts
He has a tough exterior to hide how vulnerable he really is.
Give it up man, understand that it's not your fault
Stop blaming yourself for the emotional barriers you've set up.
They've given you a rock for a heart
You've become emotionally hardened by past experiences.
Put down those guns you can just let those tears fall
Allow yourself to be vulnerable and let your emotions show.
The toughest man ain't no man, after all
Being vulnerable takes real strength and makes you stronger.
Works so hard so it looks easy
He puts forth a lot of effort to make things seem effortless.
Keep those shades on, we all need that mystery
He tries to maintain an air of mystery and protect himself from being too exposed.
Fight that fight, that backwards current
He struggles with difficult emotions and tries to keep them hidden.
Keep it chill, don't feel too deeply or they'll see
He tries to stay calm and not show his true emotions to others.
Contributed by Amelia E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
DrinkingRock
My question is why your following is so small. This stuff is incredible, and I'm stoked you're still making it! My base pitch is in the same key as your vocals, so it's always easy to sing along to.
Funnily enough, Itunes confuses you with another artist of the same name but different capitalization, ANiMA (no exclamation mark). Pre-added the upcoming album. I've actually never been hyped for music before :3
Murdermandan
This song is amazing from a musical standpoint and from a lyrical one. You really never disappoint 🙂
DoggieTrek
One of the best artists around I think never dissapoints :)
ANIMA!
Such sweet words
Porphi
The wait was worth it.
Speed King
👋
S T A L K E R [BlackSkull]
:D
DoggieTrek
For sure
ThisAccount
☝️
ANIMA!
Thanks so much for all the love! We see a lot of eyes in our direction because of you <3