Animal Nitrate

Suede's 'Animal Nitrate' delves into the complexities of a toxic and destructive relationship, set against the backdrop of a bleak, working-class environment. The song's title itself is a play on 'amyl nitrate,' a drug known for its euphoric and aphrodisiac effects, hinting at the intoxicating yet damaging nature of the relationship described in the lyrics. The protagonist is drawn to a partner who embodies raw, animalistic energy, providing a temporary escape from their grim reality but leaving behind emotional and physical scars.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young person trapped in a cycle of abuse and longing. Phrases like 'he jumped on your bones' and 'he broke all your bones' suggest both physical and emotional violence, while the repeated line 'now you're taking it time after time' underscores the recurring nature of this destructive pattern. The council home setting adds a layer of socio-economic struggle, highlighting how such environments can exacerbate feelings of entrapment and desperation.

The song also explores themes of dependency and loss. The repeated question 'what turns you on, on, now your animal's gone?' reflects the protagonist's struggle to find meaning and satisfaction after the departure of their toxic partner. This absence leaves a void, emphasizing how deeply intertwined their sense of identity and pleasure had become with this harmful relationship. The final lines, 'Animal, he was animal, an animal,' serve as a haunting reminder of the primal, almost inescapable nature of their bond, leaving the listener to ponder the lasting impact of such relationships on one's psyche and self-worth.