It Hurts
Head Control System Lyrics

At the surface level, “It Hurts” by Head Control System appears to be about sadomasochistic eroticism. The song uses imagery and comparisons to convey a sense of sexual excitement that comes from pain. The opening lines “Let’s go hunting baby, make me the animal that I am” begins with a metaphor of two people chasing one another. The hunter and the hunted dynamic further reinforce the idea of sex as a game. Though the lyrics go on to imply that the male protagonist enjoys inflicting physical pain on his female partner, the song also suggests that he finds it cathartic.

The line “when it hurts, it hurts, you pay” suggests that the sexual partner who receives the pain might be required to return the favor in some way, perhaps with emotional pain or guilt. The singer acknowledges that his love dies because of the pain he inflicts on his partner. The use of the word “love” in this context is significant because it shows that the singer isn’t just infatuated with the pleasure that comes from pain, but he’s searching for a deeper connection. The contrasting lines “I’m so full of life, I’ve got the death dry” are ambiguous, with several interpretations possible. Most likely, the death dry refers to the dryness of ejaculation, yet also implying the emptiness of their sexual encounters.

Overall, Head Control System’s “It Hurts” is an exploration of sadomasochistic eroticism, specifically the pain and pleasure dynamic. The themes presented in the song are not for everyone, but the lyrics provide insights into the mindset of those who enjoy this type of sexual encounter.