This track is one of seven singles from the album, the other six being "Women", "Rocket", "Animal", "Pour Some Sugar On Me", "Armageddon It", and "Hysteria" respectively.
"Love Bites" would end up being the fifth single from the album.
This track would be their first (and only) chart topper in the US, reaching #1 the next year in 1988.
In 2017, Billboard would list it as one of Def Leppard's best songs, calling it “a midtempo love song that hums with yearning, driven by an engaging rhythm guitar”.
Love Bites
Def Leppard Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Watch out, love bites
When you make love, do you look in your mirror?
Who do you think of?
Does he look like me?
Do you tell lies?
And say that it's forever?
Do you think twice, or just touch and see?
Ooh, yeah
When you're alone, do you let go?
Are you wild and willing or is it just for show?
Ooh, come on
I don't want to touch you too much baby
'Cause making love to you might drive me crazy
I know you think that love is the way you make it
So I don't want to be there when you decide to break it, no
(Love bites, love bleeds)
It's bringing me to my knees (love lives, love dies)
It's no surprise (Love begs, love pleads)
It's what I need
When I'm with you are you somewhere else?
Am I getting through or do you please yourself?
When you wake up will you walk out?
It can't be love if you throw it about
Ooh babe, I don't want to touch you too much baby
'Cause making love to you might drive me crazy, oh
(Love bites, love bleeds)
It's bringing me to my knees (love lives, love dies)
It's no surprise (Love begs, love pleads)
It's what I need
Oh yeah, I don't want to touch you too much baby
'Cause making love to you might drive me crazy
I know you think that love is the way you make it
So I don't want to be there when you decide to break it, no
(Love bites, love bleeds)
It's bringing me to my knees (love lives, love dies)
(Love bites, love bleeds)
It's bringing me to my knees (love lives, love dies)
It's no surprise (love begs, love pleads)
It's what I need
If you've got love in your sights
Watch out, love bites
Yes it does, it will be hell
The lyrics to Def Leppard's song Love Bites explore the complex and confusing nature of love, relationships, and physical intimacy. The lyrics ask a number of poignant questions that reveal a sense of insecurity and even mistrust in the singer's emotional and physical connection with their partner. The opening verses ask whether the person thinks of the singer when they make love, whether they tell lies, whether they truly believe in love, or whether they are just using physical intimacy as a tool to get what they want.
The chorus expresses the pain and difficulty of love, with the repeated phrase "love bites" suggesting that love, like a vampire, can be both alluring and dangerous. The singer seems to be hesitant to engage fully in the relationship, recognizing that it could lead to heartbreak and pain. The last verse questions whether the person truly loves the singer or whether they are simply using each other for pleasure.
Overall, the song portrays love as a difficult, often painful experience that can both empower and weaken us. It captures the emotions of a relationship that may be toxic and not necessarily built on love.
Line by Line Meaning
If you've got love in your sights
If you are chasing love or a romantic relationship
Watch out, love bites
Be careful because love can hurt or cause pain
When you make love, do you look in your mirror?
Do you think of yourself while being intimate with someone?
Who do you think of?
Who is on your mind during sex?
Does he look like me?
Are you imagining being with someone who resembles me?
Do you tell lies?
Do you deceive your partner by making false promises and commitments?
And say that it's forever?
Do you promise that your love will last forever?
Do you think twice, or just touch and see?
Do you consider the consequences of your actions or act impulsively?
Ooh, babe
An expression of affection or desire
Ooh, yeah
An expression of excitement or agreement
When you're alone, do you let go?
Do you allow yourself to be vulnerable and open up emotionally when you are by yourself?
Are you wild and willing or is it just for show?
Do you genuinely enjoy being adventurous and spontaneous in your love life or are you pretending?
Ooh, come on
An expression of encouragement or challenge
I don't want to touch you too much baby
I don't want to get too attached or involved with you
'Cause making love to you might drive me crazy
Being intimate with you could cause me to lose control or become obsessed
I know you think that love is the way you make it
You believe that love is defined by how you act or behave in a relationship
So I don't want to be there when you decide to break it, no
I don't want to be around when you break my heart or end the relationship
(Love bites, love bleeds)
Love can cause pain and suffering
It's bringing me to my knees (love lives, love dies)
Love can be overwhelming and emotionally draining
It's no surprise (Love begs, love pleads)
Love often involves begging and pleading for affection or forgiveness
It's what I need
Despite the challenges, I still seek love and connection
When I'm with you are you somewhere else?
Do you seem distant or distracted when we are together?
Am I getting through or do you please yourself?
Are you receptive to my emotions and needs, or only concerned with your own pleasure?
When you wake up will you walk out?
Will you abandon the relationship without warning or explanation?
It can't be love if you throw it about
Love is not genuine if it is treated casually or disrespectfully
Oh yeah, I don't want to touch you too much baby
Reiteration that the singer is hesitant to become too involved
It's no surprise (love begs, love pleads)
Love often involves begging and pleading for affection or forgiveness
It's what I need
Despite the challenges, I still seek love and connection
Yes it does, it will be hell
Reiteration that love can be painful and difficult
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Steve Clark, Richard Allen, Rick Savage, Phil Collen, Joseph Elliott, Mutt Lange
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Charlie-su9ch
Who's still listening to this song still to this day in 2024?? And jamming to it?? Because I know that I am!!
@shadowfax9177
Me. And my kids. My 7 year old requested it.
@shirleyfreitas3427
ME 😄
@chiarac3833
Had it cranked while they washed my car. The rear view mirror was shaking lol.
@beatrixmowes7019
Its me. And I love it ❤❤❤❤❤
@MichaelBickerdyke-gj9rr
Me and my whole household
@cathyarthur3199
I'm a 74 year old grandma, and I love this whole album.
@REX-sl2vm
🤘👍
@noorsam3134
Im 53 and love this album also.❤
@cathyarthur3199
@@noorsam3134 😘