25 Best Def Leppard Songs and What They Mean

In this blog post, we list some of the best Def Leppard songs and what each one of them is about. Def Leppard is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, known for their energetic and anthemic songs that have stood the test of time. With a career spanning over four decades, the British band has released countless hits that have become classics of the genre.

Def Leppard is an English rock band that formed in Sheffield, England in 1976. Since 1992, the original lineup of the members included Rick Savage (bass, backing vocals), Joe Elliott (lead vocals), Rick Allen (drums), Phil Collen (guitar, backing vocals), and Vivian Campbell (guitar, backing vocals). They began as a heavy metal band, but later incorporated elements of pop, hard rock, and glam rock into their sound.

In 1980, they released their debut album, “On Through the Night,” which was followed by their breakthrough album, “High ‘n’ Dry,” in 1981. Their third album, “Pyromania,” released in 1983, was a huge commercial success and helped make them one of the biggest rock bands of the 1980s.

Tragedy struck the band in 1984 when drummer Rick Allen lost his arm in a car accident, but he learned to play drums with a special electronic drum kit and the band continued on.

Their next album, “Hysteria,” released in 1987, was even more successful than “Pyromania,” with hits like “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” and “Armageddon It.” They continued to release successful albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. On May, 2022, the world witnessed a historic collaboration between rock and classical music when Def Leppard and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra teamed up for the groundbreaking album, “Drastic Symphonies”. Produced by Def Leppard, the album featured some of the band’s most beloved tracks, reimagined with the grandeur and majesty of The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

From their early heavy metal roots to their later pop-infused rock sound, Def Leppard has consistently delivered memorable melodies, catchy choruses, and electrifying performances.

Today, Def Leppard remains one of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time, known for their catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and high-energy live performances.

Best Def Leppard Songs

1. Pour Some Sugar On Me

“Pour Some Sugar On Me” is a classic rock song by British band Def Leppard. It’s their most famous song with over 300 millions on Spotify and over 1oo million views on YouTube. Released in 1987, the song has become one of the band’s most recognizable and enduring hits. The song is a celebration of the power of physical attraction and sexual desire. The lyrics describe a woman who is so irresistible that the narrator can’t help but give in to her charms. The song’s memorable chorus urges the listener to “pour some sugar” on the object of their desire, using the metaphor of sugar as a symbol of sweetness and sensuality.

2. Hysteria

“Hysteria” is the title track of Def Leppard’s fourth studio album, released in 1987. The song is a high-energy anthem that explores the intense emotions of love and desire. The lyrics describe the intense physical and emotional sensations that come with falling in love, and the powerful effect that this can have on the human psyche. The song’s driving guitar riffs and soaring vocals capture the excitement and energy of new love, while the lyrics explore the darker, more complex emotions that can also be a part of this experience.

3. Love Bites

“Love Bites” is another hit song from Def Leppard’s “Hysteria” album. The song is a ballad that explores the bittersweet nature of love and romance. The lyrics describe a relationship that is full of passion and intensity, but also marked by pain and heartache. The song’s haunting melody and emotional lyrics capture the complexity of romantic relationships, and the ways in which love can be both exhilarating and challenging. With its soaring chorus and memorable guitar solo, “Love Bites” remains a classic example of Def Leppard’s ability to create powerful, emotionally resonant rock ballads.

4. When Love And Hate Collide

“When Love And Hate Collide” is a power ballad by British rock band Def Leppard, released in 1995. Written by lead vocalist Joe Elliott and guitarist Phil Collen, the song features emotional lyrics that explore the tumultuous nature of relationships. The song begins with a somber piano intro, leading into Elliott’s vocals as he sings about the complexities of love and hate. The chorus features soaring harmonies, with the lyrics expressing a desire to overcome the difficulties of the relationship and find a way to make it work.

5. Armageddon It

“Armageddon It” is a hard rock song by Def Leppard, released in 1988. The song features a driving guitar riff and pounding drums, with lyrics that are filled with sexual innuendo and double entendres. The song’s title is a play on words, with the phrase “armageddon it” sounding like “I’m-a-gettin’ it.” The chorus features a catchy hook, with the lyrics repeating the phrase “are you getting it?” The song’s lyrics are playful and lighthearted, with a focus on having a good time and enjoying life.

6. Animal

“Animal” is a classic rock song by Def Leppard, released in 1987. The song features a memorable guitar riff and powerful vocals, with lyrics that are about the intense attraction between two people. The song’s chorus is particularly catchy, with the lyrics “I want, I need, I love, I bleed” expressing the all-consuming desire of the narrator. The song’s bridge features a call-and-response between the lead vocals and backing vocals, adding to the song’s energetic and anthemic feel. Overall, “Animal” is a timeless rock song with memorable hooks and lyrics that capture the intensity of attraction and desire.

7. Bringin’ On The Heartbreak

“Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” is a classic rock ballad from Def Leppard’s second album, “High ‘n’ Dry.” The song was written by lead singer Joe Elliott and guitarist Pete Willis, and it was released as a single in 1981. The song features a slow, melancholic melody that builds to a powerful chorus, with soaring guitar solos and Elliott’s emotive vocals. Lyrically, the song explores the pain of a broken heart and the difficulties of moving on from a past relationship. It’s a powerful and moving song that has become a staple of classic rock radio.

8. Foolin’

“Foolin'” is a track from Def Leppard’s hugely successful third album, “Pyromania.” The song was written by the band’s lead guitarist, Phil Collen, and it was released as a single in 1983. “Foolin'” is a classic example of the band’s ability to blend hard rock with catchy hooks and memorable choruses. The song starts with a brooding guitar riff before building to a big, anthemic chorus. Lyrically, the song is about the pain of a broken heart and the struggle to move on from a past love. It’s a powerful and emotional track that showcases Def Leppard’s ability to write memorable and enduring rock songs.

9. Let’s Get Rocked

“Let’s Get Rocked” is a high-energy rock anthem from Def Leppard’s 1992 album, “Adrenalize.” The song was written by the band’s lead singer, Joe Elliott, and it was released as the lead single from the album. “Let’s Get Rocked” is a classic Def Leppard track, with catchy hooks, driving guitars, and an infectious chorus. Lyrically, the song is a call to arms for all rock fans, urging them to forget their troubles and let the music take control. It’s a fun and energetic track that has become a staple of the band’s live shows, and a fan favorite for over 30 years.

10. Photograph

“Photograph” is a power ballad from the English rock band Def Leppard’s 1983 album “Pyromania.” It was released as a single the following year and became a huge hit, peaking at number 1 on the US Billboard Top Tracks chart. The song is a nostalgic tribute to a lost love, with lead singer Joe Elliott singing about a photograph that reminds him of a past relationship. The lyrics describe the pain of being separated from someone he once loved, as well as the bittersweet memories that come flooding back when he looks at a picture of them. The song’s soaring chorus and melodic guitar riffs make it one of Def Leppard’s most beloved and enduring hits.

11. Too Late For Love

“Too Late For Love” is a hard rock anthem from Def Leppard’s 1983 album “Pyromania.” It was released as the fourth single from the album and reached number 9 on the US Billboard Top Tracks chart. The song features a driving rhythm section and aggressive guitar riffs, with lead singer Joe Elliott delivering a raw and impassioned vocal performance. The lyrics tell the story of a man who has been hurt in love and is reluctant to give his heart away again. He’s been burned before and doesn’t want to make the same mistakes again, but he’s also struggling with the loneliness and emptiness that come with being alone. Despite his reservations, he knows that he can’t go on forever without love, and he’s willing to take a chance on it again. The song’s energetic chorus and powerful instrumentation make it a fan favorite and a staple of Def Leppard’s live shows.

12. Kick

“Kicks” by Def Leppard is a song about addiction to a person. The lyrics convey a sense of helplessness and desperation on the part of the protagonist who knows they should quit their lover, but simply can’t. The protagonist craves more of their lover’s “poison” and cannot imagine life without them.

The song’s chorus repeats the lines “I don’t wanna kick, kick, kick your habit, ’cause you never quit, quit, I gotta have it,” which illustrate the addictive nature of the relationship. The bridge features the lyrics “You’re racing through my brain, like a bolt of white lightning, and I can’t sleep it off, ’cause your love’s always striking,” describing the intense emotions and struggles that come with addiction

13. Women

“Women” is a classic rock song by the British band Def Leppard, released in 1987 as part of their album “Hysteria”. The song was written by the band’s guitarists Phil Collen and Steve Clark, along with their lead singer Joe Elliott. The lyrics of the song are about the band’s appreciation for women and their admiration for their beauty and strength. The song starts with a catchy guitar riff, followed by powerful vocals from Joe Elliott. The chorus of the song is memorable and infectious, with the band singing “Women, I need ’em, I got to have ’em, They keep me goin’, keep me survivin'”. “Women” was a commercial success for Def Leppard, reaching the top 30 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

14. Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad

“Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad” is a power ballad by Def Leppard, released in 1992 as part of their album “Adrenalize”. The song was written by the band’s lead singer Joe Elliott, along with their guitarist Phil Collen. The song’s lyrics describe the feeling of being deeply in love with someone and needing them desperately, but being afraid to admit it. The song starts with a soft piano intro, followed by Joe Elliott’s emotive vocals. The chorus of the song is poignant and memorable, with the band singing “Have you ever needed someone so bad, yeah, Have you ever wanted someone you just couldn’t have, Did you ever try so hard that your world just fell apart, Have you ever needed someone so bad”. “Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad” was a commercial success for Def Leppard, reaching the top 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

15. Let It Go

“Let It Go” is a hard rock song by Def Leppard, released in 1981 as part of their album “High ‘n’ Dry”. The song was written by the band’s lead singer Joe Elliott, along with their guitarists Steve Clark and Pete Willis. The lyrics of the song are about letting go of the past and moving on, even if it means leaving something or someone behind. The song starts with a catchy guitar riff, followed by Joe Elliott’s powerful vocals. The chorus of the song is anthemic, with the band singing “Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go, Let it go, let it go, let it go, let it go”. “Let It Go” was a fan favorite and a live staple for Def Leppard, and is considered one of their classic songs.

16. Two Steps Behind

“Two Steps Behind” is a power ballad by the English rock band Def Leppard. It was released in 1993 as a single from their album “Retro Active.” The song is about being there for someone in times of need, standing by them through thick and thin. The lyrics talk about the importance of loyalty, and how sometimes taking a step back and letting someone else take the lead can be the best way to support them. The song is known for its memorable chorus and acoustic guitar melody, which add to its emotional impact.

17. Miss You In A Heartbeat

“Miss You In A Heartbeat” is another power ballad by Def Leppard, released in 1994 as a single from their album “Slang.” The song is about the pain of losing someone you love and the longing to have them back. The lyrics express the narrator’s feelings of emptiness and loneliness, and how they can’t shake the memory of their lost love. The song features a slower tempo and a softer sound than many of Def Leppard’s other hits, and showcases lead vocalist Joe Elliott’s ability to convey emotion through his singing.

18. Rocket

“Rocket” is a hard rock song by Def Leppard, released in 1989 as a single from their album “Hysteria.” The song pays tribute to the history of rock and roll, with lyrics that reference iconic musicians such as Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly. The song also includes samples from old rock songs, adding to its nostalgic feel. “Rocket” features the band’s trademark heavy guitar riffs and powerful drums, making it a favorite among fans. The song’s music video, which features the band performing in a retro TV studio, is also well-known and has become a classic of the era.

19. Long Long Way To Go

“Long Long Way To Go” is a ballad by Def Leppard, featured on their tenth studio album “X” released in 2002. The song is about a relationship that is struggling, with the singer acknowledging the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead. The lyrics describe the desire to make the relationship work, despite the distance and difficulties, and the hope that things will improve in the future. The song’s arrangement is relatively sparse, with acoustic guitar and piano providing the primary instrumentation, allowing the emotive vocals to take center stage. “Long Long Way To Go” showcases Def Leppard’s versatility and ability to create powerful ballads that resonate with listeners. It received critical acclaim for its heartfelt lyrics and touching melody.

20. Personal Jesus

“Personal Jesus” is a song originally recorded by the American band Depeche Mode in 1989, but the version I’m assuming you’re referring to is the cover by Marilyn Manson, released in 2004. The song features a driving, industrial-influenced sound, with pounding drums, distorted guitar riffs, and electronic elements. The lyrics describe a personal relationship with a deity, with the narrator addressing their “personal Jesus” directly and asking for guidance and support. The song can be interpreted in a number of ways, with some seeing it as a critique of organized religion and others viewing it as a more personal expression of faith or spirituality. Manson’s version of the song is notable for its aggressive, almost menacing tone, which adds an extra layer of intensity to the already powerful lyrics and instrumentation. Overall, “Personal Jesus” is a hard-hitting track that showcases Manson’s unique interpretation of a classic song.

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