The Meaning Behind The Song: Shout At The Devil by Mötley Crüe
Shout At The Devil is one of the most iconic songs of the American heavy metal band Mötley Crüe. It was released in 1983 as the title track of their second album, and its powerful lyrics and guitar riffs made it an instant hit. However, the song’s meaning goes beyond its artistic merits, as it reflects the band’s attitude towards the music industry, as well as their personal struggles and beliefs. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind Shout At The Devil and its significance in Mötley Crüe’s career and legacy.
A Message Against The Establishment
At its core, Shout At The Devil is a rebellious anthem against the establishment, particularly the conservative forces that sought to suppress heavy metal music in the early 1980s. This was the time when rock and roll music was at its peak, but some critics and politicians saw it as a threat to social order and morality. They accused heavy metal bands of promoting violence, sex, and satanism in their lyrics and performances, and called for boycotts and censorship.
For Mötley Crüe, who had just burst into the scene with their wild and flamboyant style, such attacks were only fuel for their fire. They saw themselves as outcasts and misfits, who refused to conform to society’s norms and expectations. Shout At The Devil was their way of standing up to the powers that be and asserting their freedom to express themselves through their music.
The lyrics of the song capture this spirit of defiance and rebellion. The chorus goes:
“Shout, shout, shout
Shout at the Devil
We’re the rebels of the sacred heart
Shout, shout, shout
Shout at the Devil”
Here, the Devil represents the establishment, and shouting at him means challenging his authority and exposing his hypocrisy. The “rebels of the sacred heart” are the band members themselves, who see their music as a form of sacred expression that should not be subject to censorship or judgment. They invite their fans to join them in this rebellion, to shout with them at the Devil and smash the barriers that restrict their creativity and individuality.
A Metaphor for Life’s Struggles
Beyond its political and social message, Shout At The Devil also reflects the personal struggles of Mötley Crüe’s members, who faced many obstacles and hardships in their lives. The band’s lead singer, Vince Neil, had lost his daughter to cancer shortly before recording the album, and the rest of the group had battled addiction, poverty, and abuse.
In this context, the Devil takes on a more symbolic meaning, representing not only the societal forces that suppress artists but also the inner demons that haunt individuals. The band members shout at the Devil not only to defy authority but also to overcome their own fears, doubts, and regrets. They see their music as a cathartic outlet for their pain and a way to connect with others who share their struggles.
The verses of the song further develop this theme:
“He’s the wolf screaming lonely in the night
He’s the blood stain on the stage
He’s the tear in your eye being tempted by his lies
He’s the knife in your back, he’s rage”
Here, the Devil becomes a multifaceted character that embodies the darkness of human experience. He is the wolf howling in despair, the blood that stains the performer’s clothes, the temptation that lures the vulnerable soul, the betrayal that hurts the trust, and the rage that fuels the revenge. The band members confront this Devil with their guitars, drums, and screams, channeling their emotions into a raw and powerful musical expression.
A Legacy of Heavy Metal
Shout At The Devil has become a classic of heavy metal music, not only for its message but also for its sound. The song features some of the most iconic riffs and solos in Mötley Crüe’s repertoire, showcasing the virtuosity of their guitarist, Mick Mars, and the tightness of their rhythm section, Nikki Sixx on bass and Tommy Lee on drums. The song’s production, done by Tom Werman, also contributed to its success and influence, giving it a polished yet edgy sound that appealed to both the mainstream and underground audiences.
Over the years, Shout At The Devil has inspired countless artists and fans, who have covered it, remixed it, sampled it, and referenced it in their own work. The song has appeared in movies, TV shows, and video games, becoming a cultural icon of the 1980s and beyond. Mötley Crüe themselves have acknowledged the song’s impact on their career, as well as its enduring relevance for new generations of rock and metal fans.
In conclusion, Shout At The Devil is more than just a song. It is a manifesto of heavy metal, a rebellion against the establishment, a reflection of personal struggles, and a legacy of rock and roll. Its meaning transcends its time and place, speaking to the universal human desire to express oneself and connect with others through music. As the band themselves put it, “we’ll shout it, shout it, shout it out loud – hell yeah!”
