I Was A Teenage Werewolf

The Cramps' song "I Was A Teenage Werewolf" is a vivid and metaphorical exploration of the tumultuous experience of adolescence. The lyrics paint a picture of a young person grappling with the intense changes and emotions that come with puberty, using the metaphor of a werewolf to symbolize the uncontrollable and often misunderstood nature of these transformations. The braces on the fangs and the reference to puberty rights and wrongs highlight the awkwardness and confusion that many teenagers feel as they navigate this challenging period of their lives.

The song's protagonist feels alienated and misunderstood, as evidenced by lines like "no one understood me" and "no one even said thanks." This sense of isolation is a common theme in teenage angst, where the individual feels out of place and struggles to find acceptance. The werewolf metaphor further emphasizes the idea of being different and not fitting in, as the protagonist's monstrous transformation sets them apart from their peers and even causes harm to those around them, such as the "teenage girlfriend" who "got her lot of scars."

The Cramps' punk rock style adds to the raw and rebellious energy of the song, capturing the frustration and anger that often accompany the teenage years. The references to running a two-minute mile and blowing one's top in the "teen full moon" suggest a sense of urgency and a need to release pent-up emotions. The plea for someone to "make me stop" and "stop this pain" underscores the desperation and helplessness that can come with adolescence, as the protagonist struggles to control their own transformation and find relief from their inner turmoil.