Taboo
The Cramps Lyrics


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You flew in from (?) zoo
We met at my waterloo
Doomed from the start
I wished it wasn't true
But I was caught with one whisk of your shoe
Deep down I knew I should say to you
But you're under my skin like some dead drunk tattoo
Taboo
Ooooooooo
Taboo
Ooooooooo

Taboo

Taboo
Deep down inside of you
You know it's taboo
Give the Devil his due
Taboo
Such a bad thing to do
Down at the end of your avenue
Taboo
Who can say what's taboo
Taboo
What's for me ain't for you

Taboo
Ooooooooo




Taboo
Ooooooooo

Overall Meaning

The Cramps's song Taboo is a song about the irresistible pull towards something that is culturally or morally forbidden through the usage of animalistic and sexual imagery. The song's opening lyrics, "You flew in from (?) zoo / We met at my waterloo" create a setting of two powerful forces colliding, which ultimately leads to the singer's downfall because of their attraction to the taboo. The singer expresses their reluctance with the situation, saying "I wished it wasn't true / But I was caught with one whisk of your shoe". However, it's clear that the allure of the taboo is too strong to resist, "Deep down I knew I should say to you / But you're under my skin like some dead drunk tattoo".


As the song progresses, the chorus repeats the word taboo followed by sensual moans that indicate the singer's pleasure in the forbidden act. The lyrics "Deep down inside of you / You know it's taboo / Give the Devil his due / Taboo" further highlight that the taboo is enticing not only because it's considered wrong, but also because of the thrill and power that comes with indulging in it. The song ends with the lines "What's for me ain't for you / Taboo" which reinforce the idea that the forbidden act is something that is personal and subjective to the individual, it may be considered taboo for one but not for others.


Line by Line Meaning

You flew in from (?) zoo
You came into my life from an unknown, wild place


We met at my waterloo
We connected at a point of significant defeat or failure for me


Doomed from the start
Our relationship was cursed or fated to fail from the very beginning


I wished it wasn't true
I hoped that my doubts about us were unfounded


But I was caught with one whisk of your shoe
I was entranced and unable to resist your allure or charm


Deep down I knew I should say to you
I knew I should express my concerns to you, but was hesitant


But you're under my skin like some dead drunk tattoo
Despite my reservations, you have rooted yourself in my life like a permanent, unpleasant mark


Deep down inside of you
You have a sense of what is right and wrong


You know it's taboo
You understand that our relationship is socially or morally unacceptable


Give the Devil his due
Acknowledge the dark, dangerous aspects of our connection


Such a bad thing to do
We are engaging in behavior that is harmful to ourselves or others


Down at the end of your avenue
You are venturing into a dangerous, undesirable place


Who can say what's taboo
The line between right and wrong is often unclear or subjective


What's for me ain't for you
What works for me may not be suitable for you




Contributed by Liliana D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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