Jealousy
Abney Park Lyrics


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Jealousy's a beast
When it rears its ugly head
No weapon can defeat it
Nothing will make it dead

You can hit the beast with sympathy
Or just show that you don't heed it
Or hit the beast with generosity
All these things just feed it

Zoom do do do doo...

It can kill your friends and family
Well, it can kill your whole hometown
Neither your success nor failure
Is enough to pull it down

So if, my friend, you ever find
You've accomplished all your dreams
Be prepared to be alone—
Jealousy's a beast, it seems

Zoom do do do doo...

Zoom do do do doo...

Jealousy's a beast
When it rears its ugly head





Jealousy's a beast
When it rears its ugly head

Overall Meaning

Abney Park's song "Jealousy" is a poignant and sobering exploration of the destructive nature of envy. The opening lines describe jealousy as a beast, that once it raises its ugly head, nothing can defeat it. It is a hard-hitting song that delves deep into the emotions of love and loss. The lyrics reveal that jealousy is an emotion that often leads people down a path towards destruction.


The song then goes on to explain that there is no sure-fire way to handle jealousy. Trying to empathize with the source of envy, pretending not to see it, or being generous towards the source all don't make it go away. It is a beast that cannot be tamed or quelled. In fact, the more attention it's given, the stronger it becomes. Jealousy is an equal-opportunity emotion that can destroy entire communities and individuals irrespective of their accomplishments.


In the end, the lyrics are a warning to listeners, that even when someone experiences success or has everything they desire, jealousy can still rear its ugly head, leaving them alone with their feelings. The closing repetition of the line "Jealousy's a beast/When it rears its ugly head" brings the song full circle, reinforcing the strength of the emotion.


Line by Line Meaning

Jealousy's a beast
Jealousy is a strong and powerful force.


When it rears its ugly head
When jealousy is present and noticeable.


No weapon can defeat it
Jealousy cannot be overcome with force or violence.


Nothing will make it dead
There is no way to completely eliminate jealousy.


You can hit the beast with sympathy
Showing empathy towards a jealous person may not be effective in alleviating their jealousy.


Or just show that you don't heed it
Ignoring or dismissing jealousy may not make it go away.


Or hit the beast with generosity
Being kind or generous towards a jealous person may not alleviate their jealousy.


All these things just feed it
Any attention given to jealousy may actually make it worse.


It can kill your friends and family
Jealousy can ruin relationships and cause deep pain to loved ones.


Well, it can kill your whole hometown
Jealousy within a community can cause widespread emotional pain and conflict.


Neither your success nor failure
Jealously is not just present in times of success, but can be present in times of failure as well.


Is enough to pull it down
Neither success nor acceptance can make jealousy go away.


So if, my friend, you ever find
If you ever accomplish your goals or dreams...


You've accomplished all your dreams
...if you achieve everything you ever wanted...


Be prepared to be alone—
...prepare yourself for loneliness, because...


Jealousy's a beast, it seems
...jealousy may still be present and cause issues even in times of great success.


Zoom do do do doo...
Musical interlude.


Jealousy's a beast
Jealousy is a strong and powerful force.


When it rears its ugly head
When jealousy is present and noticeable.




Contributed by Ella D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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