Animal Cannibal

Cecelia Condit's 'Animal Cannibal' presents a haunting and surreal narrative that delves into themes of violence, identity, and the bizarre encounters that shape our experiences. The song's lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist who engages in self-destructive behavior, metaphorically biting and slapping at those who provide for them. This could symbolize a struggle with self-identity or a rejection of dependency, suggesting a complex relationship with the self and others.

The song's chorus, 'Some kind of animal cannibal,' evokes a sense of primal instinct and self-consumption. The use of the word 'cannibal' implies a destructive and consuming force within the protagonist, perhaps hinting at internal conflicts or the darker aspects of human nature. The repetition of the phrase 'Animal? Cannibal?' serves as a haunting echo, questioning the nature of the protagonist's actions and their place in the world.

The narrative of the song unfolds with the protagonist recalling strange and unsettling encounters, particularly with men who exhibit disturbing behavior. The mention of a man who 'ate his women friends' and the rhetorical question 'Who knows how some people turn to strange ones?' suggest a commentary on the unpredictability of human behavior and the potential for violence that lies within. The setting of these encounters in mundane places like a department store adds to the surreal quality of the song, blurring the lines between the ordinary and the bizarre. Cecelia Condit's musical style, often experimental and avant-garde, complements the song's eerie and thought-provoking lyrics, inviting listeners to reflect on the complexities of human interactions and the shadows that lurk within us all.