The Far East Movement (also known as FM), hailing from the clubs and street… Read Full Bio ↴The Far East Movement (also known as FM), hailing from the clubs and streets of Los Angeles, California, United States, are one of the freshest crews representing the next generation of artists and “fly music.” Members Kev Nish, Prohgress, J-Splif, and DJ Virman have created a huge industry buzz with major companies, radio stations, and club DJs worldwide through their international appeal and energetic live shows.

Finding their inspiration from the diverse city blocks and night club scene of Southern California, FM has built a strong internet fan base and a new lifestyle brand for the next generation of youth around the world. “The Far East Movement is the name for our music, lifestyle, and our party. For the diverse music fan that hits up 3 clubs in 1 night, tuned to the racing scene and fashion, and back on the computer religiously checking blogs and sites for anything related to that.”- FM

FM has embarked on 2 World Tours (including the USA, South America, Canada, Europe and Asia) and recently featured on the 35 city Party Rock Tour with LMFAO, signed distribution deals in Japan and Korea (Avex Network and JF Productions respectively), garnered multiple features on MTV World, and also featured music on worldwide media such as FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance”, MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew”, ABC Family’s Lincoln Heights, CBS Primetime shows “CSI: Miami” and “CSI: NY”, multiple placements on HBO’s “Entourage”, “Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift” and “Finishing the Game” (a featured film at Sundance 2007). FM was also the first Asian act to perform at the Sundance Film Festival’s prestigious Music Café Gala hosted by ASCAP, and was also recently a featured act at the Cannes Film Festival in France. As producers, FM worked with Jin the Emcee to create ABC JIN, an award-winning, platinum album that broke records for first week sales in Hong Kong.

In the world of marketing, the Far*East Movement has been sought out by major companies to endorse their products. They worked with McDonalds as celebrity judges and were featured artists for the national Big Mac Chant campaign and spokespersons/tour headliners for McDonald’s Lost Ring campaign during the 2008 Olympics. FM was also a featured artist for Verizon Wireless’s LG Dare ‘Touch One’ Campaign. They’ve also co-created a series of live concerts with Wong Fu Productions to benefit community outreach called the International Secret Agents with endorsements by JCPenney and Verizon.

Far East Movement’s single “Girls On The Dance Floor” has taken over clubs and radio stations around the world, reaching #1 on Los Angeles radio and charting on the Billboard Charts. On February 12th, 2010, the Far East Movement officially signed their first major label record deal with Cherrytree / Interscope Records. After 2 independent album releases and a rigorous tour schedule, the Far East Movement is in the studio working with the Stereotypes (Production team) on their 3rd album and first major release in 2010.

The original members of Far East Movement, Kevin Nishimura (Kev Nish), James Roh (Prohgress), and Jae Choung (J-Splif), grew up in Koreatown, Los Angeles, California. They were close companions in high school and shared a passion for music together. The trio promoted their music online and began performing at local clubs and events in Los Angeles; soon, they began their musical career with the name "Emcee's Anonymous" by 2001. However, they later changed it to Far East Movement or FM, originating from a song that they produced with the same name. In 2003, they organized together an event called "Movementality" in Koreatown, LA, featuring ten different performances with all the proceeds sent to a local youth drug rehabilitation center. On September 21, 2016, S.M Entertainment, one of the largest entertainment companies in South Korea, announced that Chanyeol, from popular K-pop band EXO, would be collaborating with Far East Movement in their track "Freal Luv", which also features Tinashe and Marshmello.[26]

On October 10, 2016, Starship Entertainment announced that Hyolyn, from K-pop girl-group Sistar, would be featured in a new song titled "Umbrella".

Both songs were included in the band's fifth studio album, Identity, released on October 21. It features various Korean artists, such as Tiffany from Girls' Generation, rappers Yoon Mi-rae, Jay Park, Loco and R&B group Urban Zakapa, along with American singer-songwriter Macy Gray, rapper Soulja Boy and credits from British singer-producer MNEK. Identity debuted at #1 on the global iTunes dance charts.[citation needed] The music video for "Freal Luv" was viewed over 30 million times on YouTube.

On October 14, 2016, Far East Movement released "We Out Here" featuring Blackbear and Thurz.

On November 23, 2016, Far East Movement announced that J-Splif had left the group due to family reasons.

On October 26, 2018, Far East Movement released a song titled "Bamboo" which features vocals from Jason Zhang and Kina Grannis.

On February 8, 2019, Far East Movement released a single titled "Blossoms" which features Troop Brand and Chinese rapper Vava.

On March 14, 2019, Far East Movement released a single titled "Lovebird" which features Lay.

On April 19, 2019, Far East Movement released a single titled "Paint the Clouds" which features vocals from Tia Ray.

On June 21, 2019, Far East Movement released a single titled "Maps", featuring Diamond, Starchild Yeezo, and Rell the Soundbender.

On July 26, 2019, Far East Movement released a single titled "Glue", featuring Heize and Shawn Wasabi.

On February 14, 2020, Far East Movement released a single "Nice Things" (with Henry and AlunaGeorge)

On May 14, 2020, Far East Movement released a single “Let the Future In” With Karen Mok

On May 18, 2020, Far East Movement released a single “ We Are the Truth” With Sha Sha Jones

Animal
Far East Movement Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Animal
I′m an animal
Animal

I'm an animal
I′m an animal (animal)

The world is filled with pimps n ho's

I'm an animal inside my skin and bonez

I′m an animal, a freak without warning
Hustling from dusk to dawn and
I give high mileage and great performance
Take a ride you can feel the horses
Proh is all business, bounty hunter
Welcome to the jungle, bust ya
Get attached, nah i ain′t your man
I swing like the new tarzan
And i'm out for my next prey, can′t delay
Lioness thru the glass of the mandalay
I get that play then i'm on my way
Don′t love them hoes, just love the chase

I'm an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)

The world is filled with pimps n ho's
I'm an animal inside my skin and bonez

I′m a beast with no leash and i reign supreme
Keep it fresh, keep it clean in the place to be
Only dream, makin cream and inhaling green
Got my team on the scene and we make you scream
Midnight at the zoo and the lights are flashing

Girls are dancing with their butt cheeks flapping
I smell reefer, somebody better pass it
To the left and i′m next to get plastered
Now that's better, back to the action
We going to play around and always keep it crackin′
So let's boogie, boogie on down
I′m an animal, i'm about to get wild

I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
I'm an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)

I'm an animal, i, i
I′m an animal, i, i
I′m an animal, i, i
I, i, animal

What's the sound, time for chow
I′ll eat your insides pound for pound
Animal instincts, i'm on the prowl
Looking for a girl with a freaky style
Bare back pussy cat in the pocket
Type in the password to unlock it
After dark is when the is dogs barking
Animal house and i came to party
So i′m gonna rock right now
I'm kevnish and i came to get down
I′m not internationally known
But i'm here to rock the microphone so let's go

I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)
I'm an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)
I'm an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)
I'm an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)

Overall Meaning

In "Animal," the Far East Movement boldly embraces themes of hedonism and primal instincts. The chorus repeatedly reinforces the idea of being an "animal," a metaphorical representation of raw, unrestrained desire and aggression that often accompanies nightlife culture. The term "animal" implies an existence driven by gut feelings rather than social norms, suggesting a freedom that contrasts with civilized society. This primal identity is juxtaposed against the backdrop of a world "filled with pimps n ho's," emphasizing the reality of the urban jungle where personal interactions are transactional and often shallow, driven by lust and surface-level engagements.

Within the verses, the singer articulates the hustle and bustle of nightlife, with imagery suggesting a relentless pursuit of pleasure and successes. The phrase "hustling from dusk to dawn" communicates the idea of a frantic grind, where the nightlife becomes a hunting ground. The singer explicitly states they are "out for my next prey," hinting at a predatory nature where relationships don't carry traditional emotional weight but rather serve to satisfy immediate urges. The comparison to "Tarzan" highlights a wild independence, portraying the singer as someone who is both at home in the jungle and detached from emotional attachments—a reflection of the fleeting interactions typical of contemporary urban life.

The song also revels in a party atmosphere, punctuated by loud, pulsating rhythms and descriptions of the vibrant nightlife where excitement reigns supreme. Lines regarding "midnight at the zoo," and girls dancing with their "butt cheeks flapping" paint a picture of a chaotic yet electrifying environment where inhibitions are cast aside. Here, the use of substances such as "reefer" reinforces a celebration of libertinism, with the underlying message that these indulgences amplify the experience of feeling alive. The language chosen throughout contributes to a sense of exuberance, offering listeners a glimpse into a world where the focus is on living in the moment, transcending everyday constraints to fully embrace life's frantic joys.

Despite the wild and carefree exterior, there is an undercurrent that suggests a kind of rebellion against societal expectations. The declaration of being "a beast with no leash" embodies a sense of defiance and unapologetic autonomy, embracing the idea of breaking free from restrictions. The text continually hints at the contrast between one's primal instincts and the polished, refined surface maintained in society. Ultimately, "Animal" serves as both a celebration and a critique of modern hedonism, portraying the singer's embrace of their instincts while acknowledging the relational emptiness that often accompanies such a lifestyle. Through energetic delivery and vivid imagery, the Far East Movement captures the rawness of nightlife while inviting listeners to question the balance between freedom and connection.

Line by Line Meaning

I'm an animal
I embrace my raw instincts and primal nature.

Animal
Emphasizing my untamed characteristics.

I'm an animal
I'm fully expressing my inner beast.

I′m an animal (animal)
Reiterating my identity as untamed and wild.

The world is filled with pimps n ho's
Society is saturated with exploitative relationships and superficial connections.

I'm an animal inside my skin and bonez
Deep inside, I possess a feral spirit despite being human.

I′m an animal, a freak without warning
I identify as wild and unpredictable, lacking restraint.

Hustling from dusk to dawn and
Working tirelessly and unrelentingly around the clock.

I give high mileage and great performance
I offer value and effectiveness in everything I do.

Take a ride you can feel the horses
Engaging in this wild lifestyle will give you a rush akin to riding powerful steeds.

Proh is all business, bounty hunter
My persona is serious and focused, akin to a relentless pursuer.

Welcome to the jungle, bust ya
Entering this chaotic life means facing fierce challenges head-on.

Get attached, nah I ain′t your man
I’m not here for emotional connections; I value freedom.

I swing like the new tarzan
I navigate life with agility and confidence, similar to a figure embodying freedom.

And i'm out for my next prey, can't delay
I am in constant pursuit of my next target or opportunity.

Lioness thru the glass of the mandalay
I observe the enticing and fierce aspects of life from a vantage point.

I get that play then i'm on my way
Once I seize an opportunity, I quickly move on.

Don't love them hoes, just love the chase
I prefer the thrill of pursuing rather than forming attachments.

I'm an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
Reinforcing my identity as untamed and primal once again.

I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)
Affirming my unrestrained and wild nature.

The world is filled with pimps n ho's
A reminder of the exploitative dynamics in today's society.

I'm an animal inside my skin and bonez
Underneath my exterior, I harbor a savage essence.

I′m a beast with no leash and I reign supreme
I operate without restrictions, fully embracing my own power.

Keep it fresh, keep it clean in the place to be
Maintaining a vibrant and appealing environment wherever I go.

Only dream, makin cream and inhaling green
I pursue aspirations while enjoying the pleasures of life, including money and nature.

Got my team on the scene and we make you scream
My crew and I create excitement that captivates and exhilarates those around us.

Midnight at the zoo and the lights are flashing
In the midst of nighttime adventures, energy and excitement are palpable.

Girls are dancing with their butt cheeks flapping
There’s vibrant, uninhibited celebration among those present.

I smell reefer, somebody better pass it
I am keenly aware of the indulgences and want to partake.

To the left and I′m next to get plastered
I’m ready to join in on the revelry without restraint.

Now that's better, back to the action
Now that I’m in the right mindset, it’s time to dive back into the festivities.

We going to play around and always keep it crackin′
We intend to have fun and maintain an energetic atmosphere.

So let's boogie, boogie on down
Let’s dance and enjoy ourselves to the fullest.

I′m an animal, i'm about to get wild
I’m ready to unleash my untamed side and embrace chaos.

I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
Reaffirming my primal identity once more.

I'm an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)
Continuing to emphasize my wild nature.

I'm an animal, i, i
I assert my identity in an unfiltered manner.

I′m an animal, i, i
Further solidifying my connection to my primal instincts.

I′m an animal, i, i
Repeating this assertion highlights my unwavering self-identity.

I, i, animal
I blend multiple facets of my identity as a wild, untamed being.

What's the sound, time for chow
I’m sensing the call of instinct to satisfy my hunger.

I'll eat your insides pound for pound
I intend to completely consume what I desire without remorse.

Animal instincts, i'm on the prowl
I’m tapping into my primal urges, searching for what I want.

Looking for a girl with a freaky style
I’m in search of someone who embodies a certain wildness or uniqueness.

Bare back pussy cat in the pocket
I’m alluding to a playful and daring encounter.

Type in the password to unlock it
Accessing intimacy or pleasure requires a certain initiation.

After dark is when the is dogs barking
The nightlife brings out the excitement and chaos.

Animal house and i came to party
I’ve arrived ready for a wild and unrestrained celebration.

So i'm gonna rock right now
I’m kicking off my vibrant energy in the present moment.

I'm kevnish and i came to get down
I'm embracing my unique persona and ready to let loose.

I′m not internationally known
Though I may not be widely recognized, my presence is felt.

But i'm here to rock the microphone so let's go
I am here to make my mark and command attention wherever I am.

I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
Yet again, I assert my untamed and primal spirit.

I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)
Final affirmation of my wild nature and identity.

I'm an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
I continue to reinforce the essence of who I am.

I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)
Climaxing my declaration of being wild and unapologetically myself.

I'm an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
Reiterating my untamed identity reinforces my self-awareness.

I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)
Round off this portrayal of my fierce individuality.

I'm an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa)
Culminating in my perpetual celebration of my nature.

I′m an animal (a-aa-a-a-a-a-a-aa-animal)
Final emphasis on embracing my primal existence.

Writer(s): Jae Won Choung, James Ji Hwan Roh, Kevin Michael Nishimura, Stefon China Taylor

Contributed by Ellie O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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