The original members were Richard Fielding and Andrew Wright, and were soon joined by Tom Ellard. This later changed to Garry Bradbury, Paul Deering, and Tom Ellard; Ellard has been the only one to remain throughout the group's career, with changing lineups throughout its two and a half decades of existence, later working mainly with Stephen Jones. Robert Racic was an integral part of the band during the late eighties/early nineties.
Severed Heads performed a final concert in Sydney in January 2010. Tom Ellard uploaded a farewell video of Sevs in Space to Youtube, which may be considered as a requiem of sorts.
In early 2008, Ellard added the following text to the bottom of the official site's front page, "Severed Heads do not have a MySpace page. It is a fake. The band is dead,". (www.sevcom.com).
ANIMal
Severed Heads Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Spending half my time in a hirsute tempo
Animal clothed in open fire
of a funeral pyre in a broken hostage
These are teats swung underneath
that crave deprave defy my virtue
These are teeth set in the breach
Animal crafted in my spine
Spending half my time in a hirsute tempo
Animal pica vacuum jewel
In eternal duel with a failing reason
These are teats swung underneath
that crave deprave defy my virtue
These are teeth set in the breach
that cleave deceive reveal my hunger
These are coats held in a host
of pain disdain parade of ordure
These are claws that call for more
that rend defend pursue cold plunder
The lyrics of Severed Heads' song "ANIMal" depict a primal and instinctual force residing within the singer. The "animal" is described as being "crafted" within the singer's spine, suggesting that it is a fundamental part of their being. The animal is associated with a "hirsute tempo," suggesting a wild and uncontrolled rhythm. The animal is also described as being "clothed in open fire," which could symbolize passion and intensity, but also destruction and danger. The animal is further associated with teeth that "cleave deceive reveal my hunger" and teats that "crave deprave defy my virtue," suggesting both a physical and a psychological craving or longing that is difficult to resist.
The animal is not just an internal force, but also a source of conflict and struggle. It is engaged in an "eternal duel with a failing reason," suggesting that it is in opposition to the singer's rational mind. The animal is also associated with "coats held in a host of pain disdain parade of ordure," suggesting a sense of filth or shame that is associated with this primal force. The animal is further depicted as having claws that "call for more," suggesting a never-ending desire for satisfaction or fulfillment that drives the singer forward.
Overall, the lyrics of "ANIMal" suggest a complex and ambivalent relationship between the singer and their animalistic nature. On one hand, the animal is a source of power and vitality, but on the other hand, it is also associated with pain, shame, and irrationality. The lyrics also suggest a struggle between this primal force and the singer's rational mind, highlighting the tension between instinct and reason.
Line by Line Meaning
Animal crafted in my spine
I have an animalistic nature that is ingrained in my being
Spending half my time in a hirsute tempo
I entertain my animalistic tendencies for a significant portion of my life
Animal clothed in open fire
My instinctual desires are shrouded in danger and destruction
of a funeral pyre in a broken hostage
My animalistic nature is like a funeral pyre, consuming everything in its path, while I am held captive by it
These are teats swung underneath
My desires, like an animal's teats, are hidden and subconscious
that crave deprave defy my virtue
These desires are twisted and perverse, going against my moral standing
These are teeth set in the breach
My animalistic nature, like teeth, is sharp and ready to attack
that cleave deceive reveal my hunger
These teeth are used to deceive and reveal my insatiable hunger
Animal pica vacuum jewel
My animalistic nature is drawn to things that are both beautiful and dangerous
In eternal duel with a failing reason
My rationality is constantly battling with my animalistic nature
These are coats held in a host
My animalistic tendencies are covered in layers, like coats
of pain disdain parade of ordure
These layers are made up of pain, disgust, and a parade of filth
These are claws that call for more
My animalistic nature is insatiable, always calling for more
that rend defend pursue cold plunder
These claws are meant to protect and pursue my desires, even if it means taking from others indiscriminately
Contributed by Madison V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.