Little Red Riding Hood
The Meteors
The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing: A Modern Twist on Little Red Riding Hood
The Meteors' song 'Little Red Riding Hood' takes the classic fairy tale and gives it a rockabilly twist, infusing it with a sense of danger and seduction. The lyrics are a playful yet ominous dialogue from the perspective of the 'big bad wolf,' who is trying to convince Little Red Riding Hood to trust him. The wolf's intentions are cloaked in a veneer of concern and charm, as he repeatedly assures her that he can be trusted, despite his predatory nature.
The song uses the familiar elements of the fairy tale—such as the wolf's big eyes and full lips—to create a sense of foreboding. These features, traditionally seen as menacing, are reinterpreted as alluring and seductive. The wolf's insistence on walking with Little Red Riding Hood 'to be safe' is a thinly veiled attempt to get closer to her, highlighting the theme of deception. The repeated refrain about keeping his 'sheep suit on' until he can be trusted underscores the idea of hidden intentions and the danger of appearances.
Culturally, the song taps into the timeless theme of innocence versus predation, a narrative that resonates across generations. The Meteors, known for their psychobilly style—a fusion of punk rock and rockabilly—bring a raw, edgy energy to the story. This musical backdrop amplifies the tension and urgency in the lyrics, making the listener question the true nature of the wolf's intentions. The song serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that even those who appear benign can harbor dangerous motives.