Animal

Album: Habits (2010)
Charted: 40 13
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Neon Trees are a Utah based Indie Rock foursome made up of lead vocalist Tyler Glenn, guitarist Chris Allen (guitars), bassist Branden Campbell and drummer Elaine Bradley. The quartet got their first nationwide exposure in late 2008 when they were given the opening spot for the Killers' first North American tour dates. Not long after, the band was signed by major record label Mercury Records.
  • This is the lead single from their debut album Habits. Glenn, who is the band's lyricist, told The Examiner that the story behind the song is simple, "I'm a masochist in love," he explained. "I seem to require pain. But in general when humans are in love we're like animals."
  • During an interview with myYearbook, Glenn was asked what inspired this song. He replied: "Vicious women. Does that sound sexist? I don't intend it that way, but particular vicious girls that claw you up but you love it so much anyway, if that makes any sense.…"
  • This reached #1 on Billboard Alternative Songs in its 32nd chart week, completing the lengthiest journey to the peak position since the tally's inception in 1988. The song's lengthy climb overtook the 31-week ascension to the top by Phoenix's "1901."

    Los Angeles band Fitz and the Tantrums overtook Neon Trees record trek on October 12, 2013. Their single "Out Of My League" reached the #1 spot on its 33rd week on Alternative Songs.

Comments: 1

  • Megan from Stevenson, AlI love this song!!! The music, the lyrics! AHHH! lol:)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Name the Character in the Song

Name the Character in the SongMusic Quiz

With a few clues (Works at a diner, dreams of running away), can you name the character in the song?

Tony Joe White

Tony Joe WhiteSongwriter Interviews

The writer of "Rainy Night in Georgia" and "Polk Salad Annie" explains how he cooks up his Louisiana swamp rock.

Ron and Russell Mael of Sparks

Ron and Russell Mael of SparksSongwriter Interviews

The men of Sparks on their album Hippopotamus, and how Morrissey handled it when they suggested he lighten up.

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Jon Anderson

Jon AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Jon Anderson breaks down the Yes classic "Seen All Good People" and talks about his 1000 Hands album, which features Chick Corea, Rick Derringer, Ian Anderson, and many other luminaries.

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."