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

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Todd Rundgren

Todd RundgrenSongwriter Interviews

Todd Rundgren explains why he avoids "Hello It's Me," and what it was like producing Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell album.

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)

Steve Cropper (Booker T & the MG's, Blues Brothers)Songwriter Interviews

Steve Cropper on the making of "In the Midnight Hour," the chicken-wire scene in The Blues Brothers, and his 2021 album, Fire It Up.

Corey Hart

Corey HartSongwriter Interviews

The Canadian superstar talks about his sudden rise to fame, and tells the stories behind his hits "Sunglasses At Night," "Boy In The Box" and "Never Surrender."

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Producer Ron Nevison

Producer Ron NevisonSong Writing

Ron Nevison explains in very clear terms the Quadrophenia concept and how Heart staged their resurgence after being dropped by their record company.