Animal
Eels Lyrics


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If I could love you
I'm sure I would
If I could hold you
And feel understood

I'd be there now
But I don't know how
'Cause I am an animal

Bundle of rags
Wrap me up tight
Keep me safe inside
Warm at night

I am no more
I am not good
I am so sorry
If you misunderstood

I'd make it up




But I cannot
If I am an animal

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Animal" by Eels address the human struggle to connect with others and form intimate relationships. The opening lines express a desire for love and understanding, but there is an underlying sense of hopelessness in the singer's inability to fulfill these desires. The lyric "I'm sure I would" suggests that the singer has some capacity for love but may not know how to express it or connect with others.


The chorus of the song simplifies the singer's emotions to his animalistic nature, which may be a metaphor for his primal instincts or a way of acknowledging his limitations. The line "I am an animal" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing this understanding of oneself as a being driven by base desires and impulses.


The second verse of the song continues this theme of helplessness, with the singer describing himself as a "bundle of rags" in need of protection and care. The lines "I am no more / I am not good" create a sense of self-doubt and insecurity, further reinforcing the idea that the singer struggles with forming connections with others.


Overall, "Animal" is a poignant reflection on the human condition, and the difficulty of navigating complex emotions and forming meaningful relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

If I could love you
If I had the ability to truly love you


I'm sure I would
I have good intentions to love you


If I could hold you
If I could physically embrace you


And feel understood
And genuinely comprehend what you need from me


I'd be there now
I would be present with you at this moment


But I don't know how
But I am incapable of doing so


'Cause I am an animal
Because I am instinctual and not rational


Bundle of rags
I am of little value and insignificant


Wrap me up tight
Keep me tightly contained


Keep me safe inside
Protect me from the outside world


Warm at night
Comfort me and ease my fears


I am no more
I am nothing significant


I am not good
I am flawed and imperfect


I am so sorry
I feel remorseful for my shortcomings


If you misunderstood
If my actions or words have been misconstrued


I'd make it up
I would apologize and try to fix it


But I cannot
But I am not capable of doing so


If I am an animal
Since I am ruled by primal instincts




Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JIM LANG, MARK O. EVERETT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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