Animal Instinct

The song 'Animal Instinct' by The Cranberries delves into the complexities of human emotions and the innate, primal feelings that often drive our actions. The lyrics, sung by the late Dolores O'Riordan, express a moment of sudden emotional turmoil, as something as ordinary as having a cup of tea leads to feelings of depression and stress. This abrupt shift suggests that our deeper instincts and emotions can be triggered without warning, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the human psyche.

The chorus of the song speaks to a 'lovely thing' that the singer shares with someone else, which is described as 'the animal, the animal instinct.' This could be interpreted as the raw and unfiltered connection between two people, which is both beautiful and untamed, much like the instincts of an animal. The song seems to celebrate this primal bond, while also acknowledging the pain that can come from being so emotionally exposed and vulnerable to another person.

The repeated plea to 'take my hands' and the desire to 'change reality' or 'pray they won't take you away' suggests a yearning for control in a world that feels chaotic and uncertain. The singer is reaching out for companionship and support, hoping to find solace in unity against external forces that threaten their emotional well-being. 'Animal Instinct' captures the struggle between our civilized selves and the untamed, instinctual parts of our nature that we cannot always comprehend or control.