Teeth

"Teeth" by 5 Seconds of Summer delves into the complexities of a toxic and volatile relationship. The lyrics portray a love that is simultaneously passionate and destructive, characterized by a constant push-and-pull dynamic. Lead vocalist Luke Hemmings has stated that the song reflects a tumultuous and trying time in his own relationship. The central theme is the duality of a partner who can be both incredibly loving and dangerously hurtful. This is captured in the line, "Fight so dirty, but your love so sweet / Talk so pretty, but your heart got teeth." The song explores the addictive nature of this kind of love, where the highs are euphoric, but the lows are perilous, creating a cycle of emotional whiplash for the narrator.

The song chronicles the tumultuous and volatile nature of a deeply passionate yet destructive relationship. The narrator describes a lover who is a source of both intense comfort and extreme unpredictability. One moment, they are the only source of warmth and something to hold onto, the next, a complete stranger who evokes fear and uncertainty. This duality is a constant push and pull; the lover might push the narrator away only to desperately beg them to return. This confusing dynamic is a core theme, highlighting a relationship teetering on the edge of love and a desire for something akin to mutual destruction.

The cycle of hurt and reconciliation is a recurring pattern. The lover will apologize in the morning for their harsh actions, and these apologies, despite being built on lies, have an intoxicating effect on the narrator, described as giving him 'butterflies'. There's a dangerous allure in the way his partner looks at him, a look that makes him question his very survival within this love affair. The chorus powerfully summarizes this conflict: the relationship is a dirty fight, yet the love is incredibly sweet. The partner’s words are beautiful and seductive, but their heart is predatory, having 'teeth'. This 'late-night devil' has a physical and emotional hold on the narrator that he cannot, and perhaps will not, ever break free from.

The internal conflict of the narrator deepens as he contemplates the future. Some days, he envisions a life with this person, seeing them as his wife. However, this beautiful image is quickly shattered when their unpredictable nature takes over, transforming them into an unrecognizable and hostile person who once again pushes him away. The bridge of the song paints a stark, visceral image of the aftermath of their conflicts: 'Blood on my shirt, rose in my hand'. This suggests a simultaneous experience of pain and romance, a perfect metaphor for the entire relationship. He feels like his partner looks at him as if he's a stranger, emphasizing the emotional distance and the loss of identity he experiences within this chaotic bond. Despite the turmoil, the raw, physical, and emotional addiction remains, an unbreakable cycle of pleasure and pain that he is perpetually caught in.

"Teeth" was released on August 21, 2019, as the second single from 5 Seconds of Summer's fourth studio album, CALM. It was written by band members Luke Hemmings and Ashton Irwin in collaboration with Ali Tamposi, Ryan Tedder, Andrew Watt, and Louis Bell. The production was handled by Watt and Bell. Luke Hemmings mentioned that the song emerged after a period of intense writing where the band aimed to evolve their sound beyond their previous work on the album Youngblood. The song features a guest appearance by legendary guitarist Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, who contributes his signature guitar sounds throughout the track. The track's instrumental also contains a sample from an unreleased song by the late rapper Juice Wrld titled "So What". "Teeth" was also included on the soundtrack for the third season of the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why.

The central metaphor in the song is the concept of a "heart having teeth." This imagery powerfully conveys the idea of a love that is deceptive and dangerous. While the partner's words may be sweet and alluring, their true nature is predatory and capable of inflicting deep emotional pain. The 'teeth' symbolize the sharp, biting, and raw inner turmoil and the potential for hurt that lies beneath a beautiful exterior. The recurring phrase "late night devil" is another key metaphor, personifying the partner's seductive yet malevolent influence, particularly in moments of intimacy. The imagery of "blood on my shirt, rose in my hand" in the bridge symbolizes the juxtaposition of pain and romance that defines the relationship; even in the aftermath of a fight, a gesture of love is present, highlighting the confusing and inseparable nature of their love and conflict.

The predominant emotional atmosphere of "Teeth" is one of intense turmoil, tension, and dark obsession. The song creates a landscape of emotional instability, swinging between moments of desperate longing and feelings of fear and entrapment. This is achieved through the combination of brooding, industrial-inspired instrumentals, and Luke Hemmings' emotive vocal performance. The lyrics express a raw vulnerability and confusion, particularly in lines like, "Don't know if you love me or you want me dead." There's a sense of masochistic pleasure in the pain, an addiction to the intensity of the relationship, which is both thrilling and destructive. The overall tone is dark, edgy, and raw, reflecting the internal conflict of being in love with someone who is ultimately bad for you.

"Teeth" achieved significant cultural recognition and was praised for its darker, more mature sound, representing a stylistic evolution for 5 Seconds of Summer. The song was prominently featured on the soundtrack for the third season of the popular Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, which exposed it to a wider audience. It was also used as the official theme song for the WWE Survivor Series event in 2019. The track received critical acclaim and won Song of the Year at the 2020 ARIA Music Awards, and was nominated for the same award at the APRA Music Awards of 2020. The music video, directed by Thibaut Duverneix, is known for its dark and creepy aesthetic, depicting the band members undergoing a harrowing psychological experiment, further cementing the song's unsettling tone.

The song's rhythm is a key component of its intense and driving feel. It features a steady, pulsating beat with a prominent bass line that creates a sense of urgency and relentless forward motion. The tempo is moderate but feels energized due to the heavy percussion and industrial elements. The song is written in the key of D♯ Minor. The rhyme scheme in the verses is somewhat loose, following a pattern that prioritizes emotional delivery over strict structure. For example, in the first verse, 'know' and 'cold' create a rhyme, as do 'bed' and 'dead'. The pre-chorus follows an AABB rhyme scheme ('apologize'/'butterflies', 'eyes'/'alive'). The chorus is structured with rhyming couplets ('sweet'/'teeth', 'me'/'go'). This combination of free and structured rhyme contributes to the song's dynamic and unpredictable nature, mirroring the lyrical themes of chaos and control.

Musically, "Teeth" marks a significant stylistic shift for 5 Seconds of Summer, embracing a darker, more industrial sound. The song is built upon a prominent, driving bassline, heavy percussion, and distorted electronic sounds. The inclusion of Tom Morello's distinctive guitar work, characterized by techniques like whammy pedal stabs and toggle-switching, adds a layer of aggressive, rock-infused texture. Lead vocalist Luke Hemmings employs a dynamic vocal delivery, shifting from restrained falsetto in the verses to powerful, raw belts in the chorus, conveying a wide range of emotions. Lyrically, the song uses stark juxtapositions to create tension, such as "fight so dirty, but your love so sweet." The narrative voice is first-person, offering an intimate and raw perspective on the emotional turmoil. The repetition of the chorus and the phrase "never, never, never ever let go" acts as a hook while reinforcing the theme of inescapable attachment.

What is the meaning behind the song 'Teeth' by 5 Seconds of Summer?

'Teeth' explores the dynamics of a turbulent and toxic relationship. Lead singer Luke Hemmings confirmed the song reflects a difficult period in his own relationship, focusing on the intoxicating but painful cycle of loving someone who is both sweet and destructive.

Who is the guest guitarist on 'Teeth' by 5 Seconds of Summer?

The legendary guitarist Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine is featured on 'Teeth.' He contributes his signature guitar solos and effects throughout the track, adding to its industrial rock edge.

In which TV show was 'Teeth' by 5 Seconds of Summer featured?

'Teeth' was included on the official soundtrack for Season 3 of the Netflix drama series '13 Reasons Why.' It plays in episode 11 during a scene where a character is intensely boxing at the gym, reflecting his inner turmoil.

What inspired the sound of 'Teeth' by 5 Seconds of Summer?

The band aimed for a sound that was a step forward from their previous work, embracing darker, industrial sounds and rhythms. Bassist Calum Hood mentioned that the song's pulse and energy reminded him of AC/DC in a modern context, while other influences cited for their newer sound include Nine Inch Nails.

What is the significance of the line 'Talk so pretty, but your heart got teeth'?

This line is a central metaphor in the song, symbolizing a partner who is outwardly charming and seductive but is inwardly capable of causing great emotional pain. It encapsulates the core theme of a dangerously deceptive and toxic love.

Who wrote the song 'Teeth'?

The song was co-written by 5SOS members Luke Hemmings and Ashton Irwin, along with frequent collaborators Ali Tamposi, and producers Andrew Watt and Louis Bell. OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder also has a writing credit on the track.

What did 'Teeth' win at the ARIA Music Awards?

In 2020, "Teeth" won the prestigious award for Song of the Year at the ARIA Music Awards, which is Australia's primary music industry awards event.