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

Dwight Twilley

Dwight TwilleySongwriter Interviews

Since his debut single "I'm On Fire" in 1975, Dwight has been providing Spinal-Tap moments and misadventure.

Lita Ford

Lita FordSongwriter Interviews

Lita talks about how they wrote songs in The Runaways, and how she feels about her biggest hit being written by somebody else.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Jimmy Jam

Jimmy JamSongwriter Interviews

The powerhouse producer behind Janet Jackson's hits talks about his Boyz II Men ballads and regrouping The Time.

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Adam Young of Owl City

Adam Young of Owl CitySongwriter Interviews

Is Owl City on a quest for another hit like "Fireflies?" Adam answers that question and explains the influences behind many others.