Meaning of "Love Bites (So Do I)" by Halestorm

The lyrics of "Love Bites (So Do I)" by Halestorm explore a rebellious and empowering attitude towards love and relationships. The song challenges societal norms and encourages the listener to assert their individuality, even in the face of mainstream expectations. The opening lines establish a dismissive attitude towards the opinions propagated by traditional women's magazines, encouraging the listener to disregard their partner's ideals of what they should be. The lyrics present the narrator as a powerful force, likening themselves to a slithering viper and promising to help the listener forget about their current partner. This displays a rebelliousness against societal conventions and monogamy.

The chorus of the song, with the repeated phrase "Love bites but so do I," reinforces the idea that the narrator is not someone to be underestimated or taken advantage of. The use of the metaphor of love as something that bites and harms further emphasizes the narrator's declaration of strength and independence. It portrays love as a force that can be both destructive and empowering.

The lyrics also delve into the darker aspects of love. The lines "It checks you in and kicks you down / And chews you up and spits you out" describe love as a force that can manipulate and destroy one's sanity. The narrator acknowledges that love can be blind and unpredictable but asserts that they have the power to defy its influence. They express resilience and self-assurance, refusing to be victimized: "I was down and out, got up / I said, 'Hey love, I've had enough'."

Ultimately, the song's message seems to be about embracing one's individuality and refusing to conform to societal expectations in matters of love and relationships. It encourages listeners to value their own strength and autonomy, prioritizing their own needs and desires rather than succumbing to external pressures.