Pendulum & WARGASM (UK) – Cannibal. Lyrics & Meaning
Pendulum & WARGASM (UK) – Cannibal : Embracing the Chaos of All-Consuming Desire
Ever had a feeling for someone that was so intense it felt… a little bit dangerous? Not the sweet, holding-hands-in-the-park kind of love, but the kind that makes your heart pound like a drum solo, the kind where your thoughts get fuzzy and all you can focus on is them. It’s a thrilling, slightly scary, all-consuming obsession that feels like it could swallow you whole. Well, that’s the exact chaotic, high-voltage energy that Pendulum and WARGASM (UK) managed to bottle up and unleash in their explosive track, “Cannibal”. This isn’t just a song; it’s a feeling, a raw nerve set to a blistering beat. Let’s pull this beast apart and see what makes it tick.
Diving Into the Frenzy: What’s “Cannibal” by Pendulum & WARGASM (UK) Really About?
Right off the bat, the title “Cannibal” grabs you. But don’t worry, we’re not talking about a literal horror story here. The song uses this powerful, visceral metaphor to describe a desire so fierce and primal it’s almost animalistic. It’s about a hunger for another person—for their attention, their affection, their very presence—that is so deep it feels like you could just devour them whole. It’s a messy, passionate, and beautifully chaotic take on attraction that throws politeness out the window.
The track paints a picture of two people caught in a whirlwind of mutual, frenzied obsession. They’re not just attracted to each other; they’re ready to collide. The opening lines immediately set this electrifying tone:
Pretty, animal, international
Daydreams, take some, cause baby
Won’t you kiss me like a cannibal
Trigger happy yeah I’m ready to go
This isn’t a gentle request; it’s a dare. “Kiss me like a cannibal” is such a potent image. It suggests a kiss that isn’t just a kiss, but an act of consumption, of taking, of overwhelming the senses. The line “Trigger happy yeah I’m ready to go” reinforces this idea of being on the edge, ready to leap into the chaos without a second thought. It’s the sound of adrenaline, pure and simple.
A Story in a Song: Losing Control and Loving It
As the song barrels forward, it tells a story of someone completely surrendering to this wild feeling. It’s about letting go of the sanitized, “normal” version of yourself and embracing the more untamed part that lies underneath. It’s a full-on rush, and the lyrics guide us through this descent into delightful madness.
The Unholy Takeover
The first verse perfectly captures that moment when instinct overpowers rational thought. It’s that feeling when you know you’re losing control, and a part of you is absolutely loving it.
I’m feeling loaded, a little unholy
I’m feeling like something’s taking over can’t control it
Feeling x-rated, sharp and serrated
Show me what you got I really hope it’s that black and gold plated
See what I mean? “Loaded” and “unholy” suggest a departure from everyday morality. The singer feels possessed by this intense emotion, something “taking over” that they can’t fight. The imagery gets even sharper with “x-rated” and “serrated,” implying something raw, dangerous, and not meant for innocent eyes. It’s a craving for something intense and real, not the polished, fake version of things.
A Mind on Fire
The pre-chorus is like a frantic internal monologue, a glimpse into a mind that’s buzzing and breaking apart under the pressure of this desire. There’s this incredible push-and-pull between feeling and knowing, a beautiful contradiction that makes it so relatable.
My mind is going [?]
But I’m medicated (I never say you’d have to hate it)
Feeling your fingers ([?] go and taste it)
My picture’s fading (I never say you’d have to hate it)
Here, the idea of being “medicated” pops up, which adds another fascinating layer. Is this a literal reference to medication used to numb feelings, or a metaphor for trying to dull this overwhelming passion? Either way, it’s not working. The raw, physical sensations—”feeling your fingers”—are breaking through the haze. The “picture’s fading” line is brilliant; it’s like their old self, their carefully constructed identity, is dissolving in the face of this powerful connection. It ends with the ultimate surrender: “You break my heart / Filthy animal kiss me like a cannibal!” They are embracing the “filthy animal” within.
More Than a Love Song: A Cry About Modern Numbness
But hold on, it gets deeper. The second verse, delivered with WARGASM’s signature punk-rock snarl, pivots slightly. It hints that this desperate need for intense feeling might be a reaction to a world that tries to keep us numb.
We get held back for education
Little blue pills for every occasion
I keep my friends tucked under my shirt
I miss my old problems yeah the new ones are worse
This is such a sharp critique of modern life. The “little blue pills for every occasion” feels like a direct jab at our over-medicated society, where there’s a quick fix to numb any uncomfortable emotion. The song seems to argue that in a world trying to sedate us, a feeling as raw and powerful as a “cannibal” kiss is a precious, vital thing. It’s a way to feel alive. That last line, “I miss my old problems yeah the new ones are worse,” is soaked in a dark, cynical humor that’s just perfect. It’s a world-weary sigh that makes the desire for a chaotic escape even more understandable.
So, “Cannibal” isn’t just about a wild romance. It’s about wanting to feel something, anything, in a world that often encourages us to feel nothing at all. It’s a rebellion against numbness.
The real beauty of “Cannibal” is its honesty. It gives us permission to acknowledge our own messy, intense, and sometimes “filthy animal” desires without judgment. The song’s message isn’t to be reckless, but to be authentic. It champions the idea that our most powerful, raw emotions are not something to be ashamed of or medicated away, but something to be experienced. It’s a reminder that feeling deeply, even when it’s chaotic, is a fundamental part of being human.
Ultimately, “Cannibal” is a celebration of intensity in a world that often prefers beige. It’s a high-octane anthem for anyone who has ever felt too much and loved every second of it. But that’s just my take on this sonic whirlwind. What do you hear when you listen to this track? Do you see it as a love song, a social commentary, or just a pure burst of energy? I’d love to hear your interpretation of it!
