“Animal” involves an extended metaphor where the singer (Olivia) describes themselves as turning into an animal at night.
The song is a primal take on the popular idiom of ‘party animal’, focusing on the latter element more. ‘Party animals’ are people who enjoying going to parties, drinking alcohol...
[Chorus]
I'm an animal of the night
Now watch out, baby, maybe I bite
It's your nature, your right
To keep on dancing till the morning light
I'm an animal, animal
[Verse 1]
Like a wildcat, ready to attack
Putting scratches all down your back
Show me your instincts
Down another drink
We're taking it to extreme
Down in the dirt
Like it when it hurts
Cause Imma make you scream
[Chorus]
I'm an animal of the night
Now watch out, baby, maybe I bite
It's your nature, your right
To keep on dancing till the morning light
I'm an animal, animal
[Verse 2]
Come daylight, I'm tryna hide
It's something you can't see
But in the night, you can catch a sight
Of the beauty and the beast
Hey, you can't tie me down so tie me up
Bound while the wild sides' unleashed
[Chorus]
I'm an animal of the night
Now watch out, baby, maybe I bite
It's your nature, your right
To keep on dancing till the morning light
I'm an animal, animal
[Bridge]
It's like something came alive inside of me
Took hold of my reality
Stole control over my body
I need to be free
[Chorus]
Cause I'm an animal of the night
Now watch out, baby, maybe I bite
It's your nature, your right
To keep on dancing till the morning light
I'm an animal, animal
I'm an animal of the night
Now watch out, baby, maybe I bite
It's your nature, your right
To keep on dancing till the morning light
I'm a-