arts | February 06, 2026

The Meaning Behind The Song: Obsession by Animotion

Introduction

Music has always been a form of expression. It has the power to move people, to make them feel emotions they might not have felt otherwise. One song that has done just that is “Obsession” by Animotion. This song was a hit in the 80s and continues to be a favorite among many today. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind the song “Obsession” and analyze its lyrics.

Table of Contents

Background of the Song

“Obsession” was released in 1984 by Animotion, an American band formed in Los Angeles, California. The song was written by Holly Knight and Michael Des Barres. The single reached number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the UK Singles Chart. It also became a hit in many other countries.

The music video for the song features the band performing the song in front of a white background, along with clips of a woman dancing and a man driving a car. The video was nominated for Best Art Direction and Best Choreography at the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards.

Lyrics Analysis

The lyrics of “Obsession” depict a person’s unhealthy infatuation with someone else. The song is about the feelings of desire and longing that a person experiences when they are obsessed with someone. The first verse sets the tone for the entire song:

“You are an obsession
I cannot sleep
I am a possession
Unopened at your feet”

The line “You are an obsession” immediately tells the listener what the song is about. The second line, “I cannot sleep,” implies that the person is consumed by their thoughts of the other person, to the point where they cannot even rest. The third line, “I am a possession,” suggests that the person feels owned by the object of their obsession. The last line, “Unopened at your feet,” symbolizes the idea that the person is waiting for the other person to take notice of them.

The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “You’re my obsession” several times. The repetition emphasizes the intensity of the person’s feelings and highlights the fact that they cannot stop thinking about the other person. The use of the second person (“you”) makes the song more personal and reflects the idea that the person is addressing the object of their obsession.

The second verse continues to describe the person’s obsession:

“I wanna have you
Need to hold you
I wanna have you
I need to hold you”

The repetition of “I wanna have you” and “I need to hold you” reinforces the idea that the person is consumed by their desire for the other person. The use of the word “need” suggests that the person’s obsession has become a requirement for their happiness.

The bridge of the song adds a new dimension to the lyrics:

“I will have you
Yes, I will have you
I will find a way
And I will have you”

The bridge shows that the person has moved from simply desiring the other person to actively pursuing them. The repetition of “I will have you” gives the impression that the person is determined, no matter what the cost. The line “I will find a way” implies that the person is willing to do whatever it takes to make their obsession a reality.

Meaning Behind the Song

“Obsession” is a song that explores the dark side of infatuation. The song’s lyrics depict a person who is consumed by their desire for someone else, to the point where they have become obsessed. The song captures the feeling of longing and desperation that can accompany an unhealthy infatuation.

The song’s popularity can be attributed to its relatability. Many people have experienced feelings of obsession or intense infatuation at some point in their lives. The song’s catchy melody and memorable lyrics make it easy to sing along to, which has helped to cement its place in pop culture.

However, it should be noted that the song’s lyrics promote an unhealthy and potentially dangerous mindset. Obsession often leads to possessive behavior and can threaten the safety and well-being of both the obsessed person and the object of their obsession. The song’s popularity should not be taken as an endorsement of obsessive behavior.

Conclusion

“Obsession” is a song that captures the intense feelings of desire and longing that can come with an unhealthy infatuation. The lyrics of the song depict a person who is consumed by their obsession with someone else, to the point where they become possessive and desperate. While the song’s popularity can be attributed to its relatability and catchy melody, it should be noted that obsessive behavior is not healthy or acceptable. The song should not be taken as an endorsement of possessive or dangerous behavior.