The debut Massive Attack album Blue Lines was released in 1991, with the single "Unfinished Sympathy" reaching the charts and later being voted the 63rd greatest song of all time in a poll by NME. 1998's Mezzanine (containing the top 10 single "Teardrop") and 2003's 100th Window charted in the UK at number one. Both Blue Lines and Mezzanine feature in Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
The group has won numerous music awards throughout their career, including a Brit Award—winning Best British Dance Act, two MTV Europe Music Awards and two Q Awards. They have released five studio albums that have sold over 13 million copies worldwide. Throughout their history, Massive Attack have been supporters and activists for political, human rights and environmental causes.
The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game
Massive Attack Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sudden things rearrange, and this whole world seems like a new place
Oh yeah, secretly I been tailing you
Like a fox that prays on a rabbit
Had to get you and so I knew
I had to learn your ways and habits
Oh, you were the catch that I was after
But I looked up and I was in your arms and I knew that I was captured
What's this whole world comin' to
Things just ain't the same
Any time the hunter gets captured by the game
I had to lay such a tender trap
Hoping you might fall into it
Love hit me like a sudden slap
One kiss and then I knew it
Oh, my plans didn't work out like I thought
'Cause I had laid my trap for you but it seems like I got caught
What's this whole world comin' to
Things just ain't the same
Any time the hunter gets captured by the game
The opening lines of Massive Attack & Tracey Thorn's song, "Hunter Gets Captured By Game" evoke a sense of constant change and instability, with every day presenting new challenges and opportunities. Like a predator stalking its prey, the singer is watching their target from a distance, observing their habits and behaviors in order to capture them. This metaphor continues as they describe the thrill of the hunt, knowing that their target is the ultimate catch.
However, the hunter soon becomes the hunted, as they fall in love with their target and are ensnared by their own feelings. The tender trap that the singer laid for their target becomes a trap that they themselves fall into, as love hits them like a sudden slap. Despite their best efforts to capture their target, the hunter finds themselves captured by the game.
The repeated refrain of "What's this whole world coming to, things just ain't the same" emphasizes the sense of disorientation and uncertainty that the singer feels as their world is turned upside down by the unexpected capture of their heart. The lyrics suggest that in matters of love, even the most skilled hunter can become the hunted.
Line by Line Meaning
Everyday brings change, and the world puts on a new face
The world is always changing and adapting to new circumstances, which can often feel disorienting.
Sudden things rearrange, and this whole world seems like a new place
When events occur suddenly, it can feel like the entire world has been turned upside down.
Oh yeah, secretly I been tailing you
I have been following you closely without your knowledge.
Like a fox that prays on a rabbit
I have been tracking you with the intent of capturing you, like a predator stalking its prey.
Had to get you and so I knew
I felt compelled to capture you for my own reasons.
I had to learn your ways and habits
In order to capture you successfully, I had to study your behavior and routines closely.
Oh, you were the catch that I was after
I saw you as the ultimate prize to be captured.
But I looked up and I was in your arms and I knew that I was captured
Despite my plans to capture you, I found myself falling for you instead and realized that I had been captured by your charms.
What's this whole world comin' to
The state of the world and its future is uncertain and cause for concern.
Things just ain't the same
The world is constantly evolving and changing in ways that can be challenging to keep up with.
Any time the hunter gets captured by the game
Even when the hunter becomes the hunted and is captured, the world keeps on changing and adapting.
I had to lay such a tender trap
I attempted to capture you in a subtle and gentle manner.
Hoping you might fall into it
I was hopeful that you would be drawn to my trap and willingly enter it.
Love hit me like a sudden slap
I was caught off guard by my feelings of love for you, which seemed to strike suddenly and with great force.
One kiss and then I knew it
Just one kiss confirmed my feelings of love for you.
Oh, my plans didn't work out like I thought
My attempts to capture you did not go according to plan.
'Cause I had laid my trap for you but it seems like I got caught
In trying to capture you, I fell deeply in love with you and found myself caught in my own trap.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: WILLIAM ROBINSON JR.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@itsorange6879
Tracey thorn has one of the most incredible voices in music, I've always loved her. So underrated
@Bloombaby99
It's Orange! People value trash over class. Look at our society.
@mrs.creature3443
agreed!
@Heller103085
Smooth as silk
@mssvattk
Cocteau Twins? Or is that Elizabeth Fraser?
@artemaksenov3958
Если бы у меня спросили чей женский вокал лучший в истории музыки, я бы ответил: "Tracey Thorn" – не колеблясь не секунды.
@iporil4160
I can't stop listening to this rendition. Tracy Thorn takes this classic to new heights.
@theshmoob
my favorite hands down
@thepayne7862
Why this version of the song has not been an opening theme song for a James Bond movie is beyond me, the lyrics are perfect for one.
@mnd012
thepayne because it was in batman forever ;)