Motley Crue - Shout at the Devil Meaning

Song Released: 1983

Shout at the Devil Lyrics

Shout shout shout
Shout shout shout
Shout at the devil

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
He's the...

1. 1TOP RATED

   #1 top rated interpretation:
   anonymous

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   Feb 15th 2011 !⃝

   I write a lot so "fair warning." Sorry, maybe I have a bit too much to say, but I love the Crue, and, here it goes....The song is about all or any of the "bad" which is a part of our every day existence. It's part of being human. Who hasn't experienced negative, sad emotions? The Devil IS "the risk in the kiss." What risk? Here's an example... A relationship could spark from making out. Then time goes by and someone gets hurt or more seriously, feels depressed after a break up. The very next line in the song is... "he (the devil) might be anger on your lips." We all get angry and sometimes say things we don't mean. Afterward we feel guilty for hurting someones feelings. Then the writer is talking about anxiety and our innate fight or flight mechanism which is essential for survival ("might run scared for the door"). Examples are endless. Could be a career choice, fist fight, or not knowing whether you really want to get married or not. It's about "put up or shut up." Anxiety at its worst could feel like torture. But never the less, anxiousness is a part of life.
   I think the other lines in the song should now seem pretty much self explanatory. People shed tears, feel lonely, are tempted by lies (could be from drugs or any kind of addiction as well as people)and get "back stabbed" by a two face. None of it feels good. If you're enraged, your mind is certainly not at peace. Usually, it stems from jealousy which, maybe is the most powerful negative emotion one can feel. Essentially what it comes down to is a description of a normal human being who has to deal with life's bs. We chose to deal with it, because it's part of who we are and possibly, that little devil within all of us waiting to come out. But the message is loud and clear..."Be strong, laugh, and shout at the Devil." Basically telling the Devil (yea,those two words) what to go do with himself. No matter how bad things get, don't let negative feelings or emotions lead you down the wrong path. A path of one's own destruction or that of someone elses. Laugh it off because in the grand scheme of things, life on earth is only a little piece of your journey. So be strong and "shake it off." Don't get too down on yourself when reality as we know it, takes up just a short amount of time. We all "sin." No one is perfect.

2. 2TOP RATED

   #2 top rated interpretation:
   anonymous

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   Jul 13th 2010 !⃝

   It's about yelling f**k you at the devil
3. anonymous

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   Aug 15th 2023 !⃝

   The lyrics of the song "Shout at the Devil" by Mötley Crüe convey a sense of rebellion, defiance, and embracing one's darker impulses. The repeated phrase "Shout, shout, shout!" appears as a powerful call to action, urging the listener to assert themselves and rebel against societal norms.
   
   Section 1:
   The opening lines "He's the wolf screaming lonely in the night / He's the blood stain on the stage" depict the devil as a figure of isolation and chaos. The devil is symbolically associated with the wild and untamed nature of a wolf, and his presence is equated to a bloody spectacle on a stage, implying a dramatic and unsettling influence.
   
   Interpretation:
   This section introduces the devil as a force that disrupts and disturbs, reflecting the allure of temptation and the dark aspects of human nature.
   
   Section 2:
   "He's the tear in your eyes, been tempted by his lie / He's the knife in your back, he's rage" describes the devil's ability to manipulate and deceive, leading to emotional turmoil and betrayal. The knife in the back is a metaphor for treachery and the intense anger that can result from it.
   
   Interpretation:
   This part illustrates the devil's ability to exploit vulnerabilities, stir emotions, and create conflict within individuals.
   
   Section 3:
   "Well, he's the razor to the knife, oh, lonely is our lives / My head's spinning 'round and 'round" compares the devil to a razor, implying that he intensifies the impact of negative experiences. The line "lonely is our lives" suggests a sense of emptiness or dissatisfaction, and the spinning head symbolizes confusion and inner turmoil.
   
   Interpretation:
   This section delves into the emotional and mental toll of succumbing to the devil's influence, highlighting feelings of isolation and confusion.
   
   Section 4:
   "But in the seasons of wither we'll stand and deliver / Be strong and laugh and / Shout, shout, shout!" These lines emphasize resilience and defiance in the face of adversity. "Seasons of wither" may symbolize challenging times, and "stand and deliver" implies facing challenges head-on.
   
   Interpretation:
   This part encourages a sense of empowerment and strength to resist negative influences and embrace life with courage.
   
   Section 5:
   "He'll be the love in your eyes, he'll be the blood between your thighs / And then have you cry for more" explores the sensual and tempting nature of the devil's influence, portraying it as alluring yet ultimately destructive.
   
   Interpretation:
   This section delves into the seductive and addictive qualities of the devil's allure, depicting the cycle of desire and regret.
   
   Section 6:
   "He'll put strength to the test, he'll put the thrill back in bed / I'm sure you've heard it all before" suggests that the devil challenges one's inner strength and tempts with excitement. The acknowledgment of having heard it all before implies a sense of awareness about the destructive nature of such temptations.
   
   Interpretation:
   This part emphasizes the devil's ability to tempt and manipulate desires, with the implication that this is not an entirely new or unknown experience.
   
   Section 7:
   "He'll be the risk in the kiss, might be anger on your lips / Might run scared for the door" highlights the conflicting emotions that the devil's influence can provoke, ranging from passion to anger to fear.
   
   Interpretation:
   This section explores the complex emotions that arise from giving in to temptation, showing the contrasting feelings and potential regrets.
   
   Section 8:
   "But in seasons of wither we'll stand and deliver / Be strong and laugh and / Shout, shout, shout!" Repeating the earlier lines, this part reiterates the theme of resilience and strength, encouraging defiance even in challenging times.
   
   Interpretation:
   The closing lines emphasize the recurring theme of standing up against the devil's influence and finding inner strength to face adversity.
   
   Overall, "Shout at the Devil" can be interpreted as an exploration of the conflict between the allure of temptation and the strength to resist it. The devil serves as a symbol of both destructive desires and the inner turmoil that comes with giving in to them. The lyrics convey a message of empowerment, resilience, and the importance of staying true to oneself despite the alluring but ultimately damaging influences.
4. anonymous

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   Feb 18th 2018 !⃝

   Its about drug addiction !!!!
5. anonymous

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   Oct 8th 2016 !⃝

   Its about having sex during a women's period.

   This interpretation has been marked as poor. view anyway
6. anonymous

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   Dec 13th 2015 !⃝

   It's about standing up to power figures. Police politics, bad parents, ect
7. axemanwolf25

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   Feb 8th 2009 !⃝

   yeah of course! have you seen any of Motley Crue's live clips on youtube?? he even says befroe the song starts "if you cant get what you want.. sometimes you have to SHOUT AT THE DEVIL!!!!!!!!!!"
8. Roxxi

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   Jun 23rd 2008 !⃝

   Duh peps! This song is about standing up for what you believe in and telling those who think otherwise to FUCK OFF!