The Meaning Behind The Song: Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran - Beat Crave (2024)

The Meaning Behind The Song: Hungry Like The Wolf by Duran Duran

When Duran Duran released their single “Hungry Like The Wolf” in 1982, it quickly became a worldwide hit. The song’s catchy beat and infectious melody made it an instant classic. However, many people are not aware of the deeper meaning behind this iconic song.

The Origins of the Song

According to the band members, “Hungry Like The Wolf” was inspired by the 1981 movie “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The song’s writer, Simon Le Bon, was fascinated by the movie’s adventurous and exotic themes, and he wanted to capture that same spirit in his songwriting.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Le Bon explained, “There was a sense of adventure and a search for something that was very appealing.” He went on to say that he wanted “Hungry Like The Wolf” to convey that same sense of excitement and adventure.

The Lyrics

The lyrics of “Hungry Like The Wolf” tell the story of a man who is searching for a woman. He is consumed with desire for her and will stop at nothing to find her. As the song progresses, the man’s obsession becomes more and more intense, and the lyrics become increasingly animalistic.

The line “in touch with the ground” is particularly significant, as it implies that the man is so focused on his quest that he is literally “in touch” with the earth under his feet.

Other lyrics, such as “see me walking through the door,” “the scent of it still on me now,” and “the thrill of the chase, is only half the fun,” all contribute to the song’s overall theme of pursuit.

The Music

The music of “Hungry Like The Wolf” is just as important to the song’s meaning as the lyrics. The track’s driving beat and synthesizer hooks create a sense of urgency and excitement.

The song’s music video is also worth mentioning. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, it features the band members running through a jungle, hunting for a woman who keeps disappearing. The video perfectly captures the song’s themes of pursuit and desire.

The Significance

“Hungry Like The Wolf” is significant for several reasons. For one, it helped establish Duran Duran as one of the biggest bands of the 1980s. The song’s massive success paved the way for the band’s continued popularity throughout the decade.

But the song is also significant for its themes of desire and pursuit. In many ways, “Hungry Like The Wolf” epitomizes the 1980s obsession with materialism and the pursuit of pleasure.

The song also has an animalistic quality to it that reflects the primal instincts that drive human behavior. This is especially evident in the music video, where the band members are depicted as hunters chasing their prey.

The Legacy

“Hungry Like The Wolf” remains a beloved classic to this day. In 2021, the song was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Singles category, cementing its status as an enduring cultural touchstone.

The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Limp Bizkit, Reel Big Fish, and Adam Lambert. Its influence can also be heard in the music of countless other bands and artists.

But perhaps the most significant aspect of “Hungry Like The Wolf” is its ability to evoke a sense of excitement and adventure. Despite being almost 40 years old, the song still has the power to transport listeners to a world of exotic locales and endless possibilities.

In Conclusion

“Hungry Like The Wolf” is more than just a catchy pop song. It’s a testament to the power of music to capture our deepest desires and instincts. The song’s themes of pursuit and desire continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it a true cultural icon.

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