Children in Heat

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a visceral picture of uncontrollable, perhaps destructive, urges. The opening lines immediately establish a sense of primal instinct overriding reason, with "Children in heat, they have no conscience" and the repeated phrase "No resistance." This sets a tone of raw, unbridled energy that feels both dangerous and inevitable. The central tension seems to revolve around this lack of control. The narrator observes these "children" who are "running away and away," suggesting a desperate flight from something, or perhaps a pursuit of an uncontrollable desire. The imagery of "cellophane sex" and "heart in your throat" points to a raw, exposed, and possibly transactional or artificial intimacy, while the visceral detail of "pissin', pissin' blood for seven days" underscores a painful, prolonged struggle. The most striking metaphor is comparing these individuals to "young little kindle wood" that the narrator "see[s] them burning." This image powerfully conveys a sense of rapid, consuming destruction, fueled by an internal fire. The surreal detail of them changing their names to "Chicago" adds a layer of urban anonymity and perhaps a sense of being lost or subsumed by a larger, impersonal force. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their unflinching portrayal of overwhelming, destructive impulses. The repetition of "No resistance" and the insistent chorus create a feeling of being trapped in a cycle of uncontrollable behavior. The writing doesn't offer solutions, but rather a stark observation of a raw, burning energy that leads only to flight and consumption.