Animal (F--k Like a Beast)

Album: W.A.S.P. (1984)
Charted: 61
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was written by Blackie Lawless, and was W.A.S.P.'s first single ever. When it became known to the public, it was regarded as one of the most controversial songs ever, due to the title and lyrics, and it was close to not even being released. The band's label Capitol Records didn't want the song on their upcoming debut album as it could get banned from major retail charts. W.A.S.P. managed to score a one-off deal with the smaller label Music For Nations, and the single was finally released in April 1984.
  • W.A.S.P.'s mission was to offend - the band name is an acronym for "We Are Sexual Perverts." This song is a trip into the mind of a man's fantasies, with rather graphic details. Incredulously, Blackie Lawless claimed that the lyrics were inspired by nothing more than a picture of two mating lions he had seen in a National Geographic magazine. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Jon - Sweden, for above 2
  • This song made the "Filthy 15" - a list of objectionable songs distributed by the Parents Music Resource Center in 1985. The group, which was comprised of the wives of prominent US politicians, forced Senate hearings that year to push for a ratings system on albums. Lawless decided not to testify, leaving Dee Snider as the spokesman for heavy metal.
  • The band stopped playing this song in the mid '00s after Blackie Lawless became a born-again Christian.

Comments: 6

  • Dan Gillespy from Courtenay BcOne good song that freaked people out bigtime.
  • Jef from Passaic, NjBlackie Lawless has said that "Animal (F--k Like A Beast)" was inspired by the stand up comedy of the late Sam Kinison. Kinison once opened for W.A.S.P.. Kinison kept saying about his wife "I have to go home and f--k that beast".
  • Joe from Saint Louis, MoNot great song writing but I have the feeling it was written for shock value.
  • Cyberpope from Richmond, CanadaA nice Valentine's Day dedication!
  • Jason from Denver, CoSounds like something Animal from the muppets says to one of his groupies
  • Jeff from Austin, TxKiller riff, but a rather lame song in my opinion.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Bob Daisley

Bob DaisleySongwriter Interviews

Bob was the bass player and lyricist for the first two Ozzy Osbourne albums. Here's how he wrote songs like "Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley" with Ozzy and Randy Rhoads.

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men

David Bowie Leads the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired MenSong Writing

Bowie's "activist" days of 1964 led to Ziggy Stardust.

Al Jourgensen of Ministry

Al Jourgensen of MinistrySongwriter Interviews

In the name of song explanation, Al talks about scoring heroin for William Burroughs, and that's not even the most shocking story in this one.

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Boy Bands

Boy BandsFact or Fiction

From NKOTB to 1D, how well do you know your boy bands?