The Meaning Behind The Song: I Eat Cannibals by Toto Coelo
When Toto Coelo released “I Eat Cannibals” in 1982, it was an instant hit. The catchy tune had people dancing and singing along to the chorus, but many people didn’t realize the meaning behind the song.
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The lyrics, “I eat cannibals, I really do, and people are starting to disappear,” may sound disturbing to some, but when you dig deeper, you’ll realize that it’s not about actual cannibalism. In fact, the song is a metaphor for consumerism and materialism in modern society.
The band was inspired by the book, “Culture and Society” by Raymond Williams. The book talks about how consumer culture turns people into commodities, and they begin to consume each other. This is what the song is really about, and it’s a commentary on the society we live in.
The Lyrics
Let’s take a closer look at some of the lyrics in the song:
“I eat cannibals, I really do, and people are starting to disappear.”
This line is the most memorable of the song. But as we’ve already discussed, it’s a metaphor for how consumer culture consumes people and starts to make them disappear. It’s a way of saying that people are becoming more selfish and greedy, and how that affects the people around them.
“I’ve got a taste for love, I never have to worry, that’s the thing with me, I’ve got a taste for honey, and it’s easy to see.”
This line is about how easy it is for people to get caught up in the consumer culture. They want more and more, and they never have to worry about running out because there’s always more to consume. It’s a commentary on how people become obsessed with material possessions, and that becomes their primary source of happiness.
“I’m a man-eater, and still you’re surprised.”
This line is about how people are surprised when they see others behave selfishly and put their own desires above others. The band is saying that this behavior is expected and should not be a surprise.
FAQs About “I Eat Cannibals”
1. What inspired Toto Coelo to write “I Eat Cannibals?”
The band was inspired by the book, “Culture and Society” by Raymond Williams. The book talks about how consumer culture turns people into commodities, and they begin to consume each other. This is what the song is really about.
2. Was “I Eat Cannibals” a hit in the 1980s?
Yes, it was a huge hit and reached number 8 on the UK charts.
3. Is “I Eat Cannibals” really about cannibalism?
No, the song is a metaphor for consumerism and materialism in modern society.
4. What does the line, “I’m a man-eater, and still you’re surprised,” mean?
This line is about how people are surprised when they see others behave selfishly and put their own desires above others. The band is saying that this behavior is expected and should not be a surprise.
5. What message is the band trying to convey with “I Eat Cannibals?”
The band is making a commentary on how people become obsessed with material possessions, and that becomes their primary source of happiness.
6. Was “I Eat Cannibals” controversial when it was released?
No, the song was not controversial when it was released.
7. Why do you think “I Eat Cannibals” was so popular in the 1980s?
The song was catchy and had a great beat that people could dance to. Additionally, the metaphor of “eating cannibals” was a unique and memorable message.
8. Did Toto Coelo have any other hits?
No, “I Eat Cannibals” was their only hit.
9. Has “I Eat Cannibals” been covered by other artists?
Yes, it has been covered by artists such as Robbie Williams and Gwen Stefani.
10. What genre of music is “I Eat Cannibals”?
The song is classified as a new wave and synth-pop.
11. Was Toto Coelo a one-hit-wonder?
Yes, they were a one-hit wonder.
12. What happened to Toto Coelo?
The band disbanded in the late 1980s.
