Def Leppard’s “Armageddon It” is a rollicking, 80s rock anthem that isn’t actually about the end of the world. Instead, it’s a clever play on words. “Are you gettin’ it?” morphs into “Armageddon it,” highlighting the tension between desire and fulfillment. The song’s about seizing life’s opportunities and not letting hesitation hold you back. It’s a call to action, urging the listener to get out there and grab every bit of life, love, and joy available. So, the song’s not about doomsday but about living life to the fullest before time runs out.
Ready to dive into the nuances of this 80s rock classic? We’ll unpack the lyrics, word by word, and reveal the songwriter’s inspiration.
“Armageddon It” Lyrics Meaning
The song kicks off with a challenge: “You better come inside when you’re ready to / But no chance if you don’t wanna dance.” The opening lines set the stage for what’s to come—a message that urges you to grab opportunities but also warns that if you don’t take the leap, you’ll miss out.
Then there’s the chorus, the heart of the song: “Hey, but are you gettin’ it? (Armageddon it) / Ooh, really gettin’ it? (Yes, Armageddon it).” The catchy play on words “Are you gettin’ it?” and “Armageddon it” tells you what the song is about in a nutshell. It’s about grasping what you desire before it’s too late. In the context of love, the song lays it bare: “You say that love is won when you get some / But then your finger won’t trigger the gun.”
The lines “You flash your bedroom eyes like a jumpin’ jack / Then play it pretty with a pat on the back” emphasize that actions speak louder than words. You can’t just flirt with life; you’ve got to engage with it. The band essentially says, “Stop talking, start doing.”
The song crescendos with “I got an itchy finger following me / Pull it, pull it, c’mon trigger the gun / ‘Cause the best is yet to come.” It’s a carpe diem statement if ever there was one—live for the moment because who knows what the future holds?
The Story Behind “Armageddon It”
“Armageddon It” came to life during a pivotal moment in Def Leppard’s career. The band had already experienced commercial success but were under enormous pressure to continue churning out hits. They were also dealing with personal and professional setbacks, like drummer Rick Allen losing his arm in a car accident. So the song serves as an anthem not just for fans, but for the band itself.
The tune was written in an environment filled with tension but also relentless drive. The band members were aware of life’s uncertainties and the fickleness of success. So, when you hear Joe Elliott belting out “Armageddon It,” it’s a message to themselves as much as to the world. It encapsulates their mindset—eager to seize opportunities and live, not just exist.
In essence, the song served as Def Leppard’s way to vent, to affirm their presence, and to remind everyone to live a bit before it’s too late. It’s a philosophy many of us can relate to, whether you’re a rockstar or just a fan of one.