And I Know... Animal

There are so many terrific Def Leppard songs out there that it's hard to choose a favorite.  Seems like some people have chosen lists of favorites by the group, which I can completely understand.  The top of my list would be "Photograph" without question.  But, there are a couple of others that are just fun, intriguing, and always full of rock magic.  "Animal" is a song that I don't think I've heard as many times as some of the others, like "Pour Some Sugar on Me" (which is funny, because that is actually my least favorite).  Nevertheless, this one is a hidden gem.  I think one thing it has in common with some of their other songs is that there is always a line that I can't quite understand.  I always thought they were singing, "and I want...and I need...and I know...animal."  But, alas, the mystery has been solved for me.  It is actually, "and I want...and I need...and I LUST...animal."  Makes perfect sense since the song is about animal-esque lust.  Can't believe I missed that all these years.  But, if you listen closely, it's really hard to hear the "t" when they sing "lust."  I think they should really dig into the word when they sing.  Let us all know it!

Anyway, the video is pretty interesting, too.  It's a cool concept with the band at the circus.  All kinds of interesting characters in there -- like the trapeze artist.  I actually wanted to be a trapeze artist when I was little, because I admired the fact that they got to wear sparkly outfits and fly through the air.  But, alas, I became a musician.  It's kind of the same.  I mean, we can fly through the air metaphorically--and sometimes even wear sparkly outfits.  But, I digress.  I also loved zebras when I was little because I thought they looked so cool with their stripes.  Low and behold, there is a zebra in this video.  So, I'm having all kinds of childhood flashbacks, which is weird given that the song is about lust.  Oh well...  Maybe the circus element is what conjures childhood memories.  Whatever the case, this song is awesome.  It's got sort of subdued, "undercurrent" vocals with the verses, which makes it really mysterious and enticing.  Just a bit of complimentary guitar lines and drums add to the mystique.  The chorus is full force and very animal.  Awesome song.  Hope you enjoy it!