About the song
“Maneater” by Hall & Oates is not just a song; it’s a signature piece that encapsulates the essence of 1980s pop-rock. Written by Daryl Hall and John Oates themselves, this track emerged on their 1982 album “H2O,” marking a pivotal moment in their career.
The song is often misunderstood as being about a woman, but its true inspiration lies deeper. According to John Oates, “Maneater” was crafted to reflect the excesses and decadence of New York City in the 1980s—an era characterized by greed and opulence. By framing these themes within the persona of a captivating yet dangerous woman, Hall & Oates made their commentary on societal vices more accessible and relatable to audiences.
Musically, “Maneater” is distinguished by its percolating bassline reminiscent of 1960s Supremes records, blended with a cinematic atmosphere akin to Giorgio Moroder’s film scores. The track features Daryl Hall’s soulful vocals, complemented by John Oates’ backing harmonies and Linn LM-1 programming. Notably, Charles DeChant’s saxophone solo adds a memorable touch to the song’s composition, enhancing its allure.
Upon its release, “Maneater” ascended the charts with remarkable success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of Hall & Oates’ biggest hits. Internationally, it reached the top positions in countries like Canada, Spain, and Switzerland, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon.
The music video for “Maneater” further contributed to its allure, featuring striking visuals of a woman descending a red staircase and interspersed shots of a black jaguar—a visual metaphor echoing the song’s lyrics. These elements, combined with the band’s performance in a dimly lit studio, added depth and intrigue to the song’s narrative.
Over the years, “Maneater” has maintained its cultural relevance, appearing in various films and garnering enduring popularity on radio stations worldwide. Its inclusion in the soundtrack of the 2023 film “No Hard Feelings,” performed in a ballad version by Andrew Barth Feldman, underscores its timeless appeal and versatility.
Ultimately, “Maneater” stands as a testament to Hall & Oates’ ability to blend catchy melodies with insightful social commentary, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry of the 1980s and beyond. With its chart-topping success, memorable saxophone solo, and evocative lyrics, “Maneater” remains a classic example of pop-rock craftsmanship at its finest.
Video
Lyrics
She’ll only come out at night
The lean and hungry type
Nothing is new
I’ve seen her here before
Watching and waiting
Ooh, she’s sitting with you
But her eyes are on the door
So many have paid to see
What you think you’re getting for free
The woman is wild
A she-cat tamed by the purr of a Jaguar
Money’s the matter
If you’re in it for love
You ain’t gonna get too far
Oh-oh, here she comes
Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up
Oh-oh, here she comes
She’s a man-eater
Oh-oh, here she comes
Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up
Oh-oh, here she comes
She’s a man-eater, oh-oh
I wouldn’t if I were you
I know what she can do
She’s deadly, man
And she could really rip your world apart
Mind over matter
Ooh, the beauty is there
But a beast is in the heart
Oh-oh, here she comes
Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up
Oh-oh, here she comes
She’s a man-eater
Oh-oh, here she comes
Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up
Oh-oh, here she comes
She’s a man-eater, oh-oh
Hey!
Ooh!
Oh-oh, here she comes (here she comes)
Watch out, boy, she’ll chew you up
Oh-oh, here she comes (watch out)
She’s a man-eater
Oh-oh, here she comes (she’s a man-eater)
Ooh, she’ll chew you up
Oh-oh, here she comes (here she comes)
She’s a man-eater
Oh-oh, here she comes (watch out)
She’ll only come out at night, ooh
Oh-oh, here she comes (here she comes)
She’s a man-eater, oh-oh
Oh-oh, here she comes (she’s a man-eater)
The woman is wild, ooh
Oh-oh, here she comes (here she comes)
Watch out, boy, watch out, boy
Oh-oh, here she comes
Oh, watch out, watch out, watch out, watch out
Oh-oh, here she comes (watch out)
Yeah-yeah, she’s a man-eater
Oh-oh, here she comes (she’s a man-eater)
She’s watching and waiting, ooh
Oh-oh, here she comes
Oh, she’s a man-eater