Slang

Def Leppard's song 'Slang' delves into the themes of rebellion, nonconformity, and the allure of living on the edge. The lyrics paint a picture of a protagonist who revels in the darker, more provocative aspects of life. The opening lines, 'Sittin' dark / Getting tink / 'Cause I said / Something lewd in a / Low down accent,' set the tone for a narrative steeped in defiance and a desire to break societal norms. The use of slang itself becomes a metaphor for this rebellion, representing a form of communication that is raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically authentic.

The chorus, 'Slang with me - I don't wanna get my hands dirty / Slang with me - I just wanna get soakin' wet,' further emphasizes the protagonist's desire to engage in a lifestyle that is free from conventional responsibilities and constraints. The repetition of 'I don't wanna get my hands dirty' suggests a reluctance to conform to societal expectations, while 'I just wanna get soakin' wet' implies a yearning for experiences that are intense and unrestrained. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between the desire for freedom and the consequences that come with it.

The lines 'It's my intention to be your obsession / It's my obsession to be your addiction' reveal a deeper layer of the song's meaning, suggesting that the protagonist's rebellious nature is not just a personal choice but also a deliberate attempt to influence others. This desire to be both an obsession and an addiction underscores the intoxicating power of rebellion and the magnetic pull it can have on those who are drawn to it. In 'Slang,' Def Leppard captures the essence of a lifestyle that is both alluring and dangerous, inviting listeners to explore the seductive power of living on the edge.