When Animals Attack
Institute (Gavin Rossdale) Lyrics
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Seems like I've always been awake
There is danger, in the houses
A nemesis in the shade
She took my metal bones
Placed them where I could feel again
You know how bad things get, when animals attack
Nine lives for the madmen
Trouble for the sane
What is good for your survival
Really not good for you health
She took my metal bones
She took my soul and everything
You know how bad things get, when animals attack
You need fire, when animals attack, you need fire
When animals attack
When there's no way out
When there's no way out
When there's no way
The more I need the less I know
I will try to need this
Try to need this
She cooked my metal bones
She took my soul and everything
You know how sad things get, when animals attack
You need fire, when animals attack, you need fire
When animals attack, when animals attack
When there's no way out
When there's no way out
When there's no way out
When there's no way
out
The lyrics of Institute's (Gavin Rossdale) song "When Animals Attack" convey the feelings of imminent danger and the need for survival. In the first verse, the lengthening nights create a tense atmosphere, as if something sinister is about to happen. The mention of danger in houses and a nemesis in the shade makes it clear that the danger is not just external but also lurking within. The image of metal bones suggests a certain toughness, but also a numbness to emotions. It's only when the singer's bones are removed and placed somewhere he could feel again that he realizes the urgency of the situation. The chorus emphasizes the need for fire as a means of defense, but it is not clear whether this means literal fire or a metaphor for something else that can fend off the animal attack. The use of the word "when" instead of "if" in the phrase "when animals attack" further suggests the inevitability of the danger.
The second verse adds another layer to the song's interpretation. The idea of "nine lives for the madmen" implies that those who take risks, perhaps going up against the danger directly, might survive longer than those who try to stay sane and avoid it. However, what might help someone survive in the short term, might not be good for their long-term health. It's like taking medicine that might cure one illness but cause other complications. The use of "she" to refer to the singer's nemesis implies that this danger might be personal and specific to him, rather than a general danger. The repetition of "when there's no way out" also emphasizes the sense of helplessness in the face of danger. In the end, the singer seems resigned to trying to need the situation, implying that the danger might be something he cannot avoid or escape.
Line by Line Meaning
These nights are getting longer
The passing time seems endless and the nights seem to stretch on.
Seems like I've always been awake
Feels like being awake is the only reality and sleep is elusive.
There is danger, in the houses
There is an ominous presence that is lurking indoors.
A nemesis in the shade
A formidable enemy awaits in the shadows.
She took my metal bones
She helped him regain his lost strength and vitality.
Placed them where I could feel again
Restored his sense of touch and feeling after a period of numbness.
You know how bad things get, when animals attack
The danger and violence that animals bring can spiral out of control quickly.
You need fire, when animals attack, you need fire
Fire can be used as an effective weapon to defend against animal attacks.
Nine lives for the madmen
The reckless and daring have more chances at survival.
Trouble for the sane
The rational and cautious are more vulnerable to danger.
What is good for your survival
What may seem favorable for survival can have negative repercussions on one's health.
Really not good for your health
Some actions that may seem helpful could have harmful effects on one's well-being.
She took my soul and everything
She gave him back his vitality and everything else that he had lost.
You need fire, when animals attack, you need fire
Reiterated the importance of having fire as a defense mechanism.
When animals attack
An enduring threat that requires constant vigilance and preparation.
When there's no way out
A hopeless and dire situation with no escape.
The more I need the less I know
The desperation for help and guidance is accompanied by growing uncertainty.
I will try to need this
Despite the uncertainty and desperation, there is a willingness to cling to hope.
She cooked my metal bones
An alteration from the earlier lyrics, represents a destructive force that threatens to reverse previous progress.
You know how sad things get, when animals attack
The damage caused by animal attacks is far-reaching and can have lasting emotional effects.
When there's no way out
A reminder that the danger posed by animal attacks is ever-present and requires constant vigilance.
Lyrics ยฉ Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: CHRISTOPHER TRAYNOR, GAVIN ROSSDALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind