"Zombieboy" by Lady Gaga is a striking addition to her latest album MAYHEM, combining elements of disco and funk with her signature style to create a track that's both captivating and emotional. The song stands out in 2025's pop scene, offering the energetic, yet introspective sound that Gaga's fans have longed for. From the infectious beat to the groovy bassline, the track blends a throwback to classic dance music with a fresh, modern edge, perfectly tailored for today’s musical landscape.
Lady Gaga's Powerful Vocals
At the heart of the song is Lady Gaga's powerful vocal performance, which shines through with the same intensity and range her fans adore. Her voice is as versatile as ever, delivering the playful, seductive lyrics with confidence, while also conveying a raw, vulnerable undertone. The layered, distorted sections throughout the track serve to break up the vocals, adding depth and a sense of mystery to the already atmospheric production.
A Tribute to Rick Genest
The lyrics of "Zombieboy" pay tribute to Gaga's late friend Rick Genest, whose unique look earned him the nickname "Zombie Boy" and a place in the music video for "Born This Way." Gaga has stated that the song is a celebration of carefree nights that end with the inevitable feeling of being a "zombie" the next morning. This emotional connection with Genest adds a layer of depth to the song, making it more than just a party anthem. The track embraces both fun and melancholy, capturing the essence of fleeting moments and the bittersweet aftermath of a wild night out.
Standout Production and Catchy Hook
The production is a standout feature of "Zombieboy," with a driving beat that is impossible to resist. The chorus is infectious, and the post-chorus refrain ("Put your paws all over me, you zombieboy") makes for a memorable hook. The energetic, upbeat tempo is contrasted by the haunting imagery of the lyrics, creating an intriguing juxtaposition that keeps the listener engaged. The use of metaphors, such as the "zombie bite," connects the feeling of infatuation with the haunting nature of the track, further enhancing its thematic impact.
Lady Gaga Zombieboy Review
"Zombieboy" is a celebration of life, loss, and the exhilaration of the present moment. It’s a perfect blend of dance-worthy beats, emotional depth, and Gaga’s unyielding originality. The track is a testament to Gaga’s ability to evolve while staying true to the themes and styles that have defined her career. It’s a standout anthem for both the dancefloor and the heart, offering a perfect balance of joy and reflection.
Listen to Lady Gaga Zombieboy
Lady Gaga Zombieboy Lyrics Meaning Explained
The meaning of Zombieboy by Lady Gaga is deeply connected to both the theme of fleeting desire and the memory of her late friend, Rick Genest, who was affectionately known as "Zombie Boy." Rick, a fashion model famous for his full-body tattoos resembling a zombie, tragically passed away in 2018. His unique persona, which had made a significant impact on Gaga during the Born This Way album cycle, served as an inspiration for the song. Zombieboy blends themes of wild, animalistic attraction and temporary escapism, encapsulating the chaos of a night out, while also serving as a tribute to a close friend whose distinct influence remains integral to the song's narrative.
Intro: Wild Night and Irresistible Attraction
"We about to be up all night, wakin' up a zombie / So put your paws all over me, you zombieboy, you zombieboy"
The intro sets the tone for the entire song, capturing the wild, hedonistic energy of a party that lasts all night. "Wakin' up a zombie" refers to the feeling of being overwhelmed and disoriented after a night of intense partying, while the line "put your paws all over me" is an invitation to indulge in the moment, suggesting a passionate encounter. The phrase "zombieboy" is a direct reference to Gaga's late friend Rick Genest, whose distinctive "zombie" persona inspired the song.
Verse 1: The Rebel at the Party
"See you over there in the back of this party / And your girlfriend isn't here, yeah, your girlfriend isn't here / Boy inside a cage, lookin' angry and tired / Like you've been up for days, like you've been up for days"
In the first verse, Gaga observes a figure at a party who appears to be detached from the fun, possibly feeling out of place. The reference to the boyfriend being alone without his girlfriend hints at a sense of rebellion or solitude, reinforcing the theme of escapism. The description of him as "angry and tired" and "like you've been up for days" highlights the exhaustion that often accompanies a night out filled with excess and unrestrained energy. It evokes the metaphor of the "zombie"—a person running on empty but still present in the moment.
Pre-Chorus: Primal Instincts and Tension
"Cause you're an animal, an animal / And you're closin' in on me / Yeah, you're an animal, an animal / And it just can't be this way"
The pre-chorus amplifies the tension between the two figures, with Gaga likening the person to an "animal," a metaphor for wild, primal instincts. The repetition of "animal" emphasizes the ferocity of their attraction, which is almost predatory in nature. However, the line "And it just can't be this way" suggests a recognition that the encounter may not be sustainable or that it’s driven by instinct, not logic, adding a layer of conflict or uncertainty to the scenario.
Chorus: Confusion and Irresistible Desire
"Oh, I can't see straight and my hands are tied / I could be your type from your zombie bite / No, I can't see straight but the feeling's right / I could be your type from your zombie bite"
The chorus continues the theme of disorientation, with Gaga admitting that she "can't see straight" and her "hands are tied," suggesting a lack of control or agency in the moment. The "zombie bite" is a metaphor for an irresistible attraction, something powerful and consuming that clouds judgment. Despite the confusion and lack of clarity, the "feeling's right," indicating that the emotional or physical connection feels authentic, even if it's momentary. The "zombie bite" also ties into the song's larger themes of addiction and living for the thrill of the night, despite knowing the consequences.
Post-Chorus: Surrender to the Moment
"Put your paws all over me, you zombieboy"
In the post-chorus, Gaga continues to beckon the "zombieboy," with the line “put your paws all over me” serving as a continuation of the invitation to embrace the fleeting pleasures of the night. The reference to "paws" echoes the earlier usage in Born This Way and suggests an invitation to physical intimacy, connecting the two tracks. It also reinforces the idea of surrendering to the moment, not caring about the long-term impact of the encounter.
Verse 2: The Hunt and Temptation
"Think you're really sly, like a lion on the hunt for / This kitten over here, this kitten over here (Meow) / Bar is gettin' dry, and you starin' at the sunrise / Like you're thirsty over there, bet you're thirsty over there"
In the second verse, the imagery intensifies as Gaga plays with the idea of a cat-and-mouse game. The line "like a lion on the hunt" portrays the person as predatory, while the "kitten" metaphor casts Gaga in a more vulnerable or playful light. The "bar is gettin' dry" and the reference to the sunrise signify that the night is coming to an end, but the thirst—both literal and metaphorical—remains, highlighting the persistent desire to prolong the moment. The imagery of thirst here implies an insatiable need, which may represent both emotional and physical hunger.
Pre-Chorus: The Reaffirmation of Animal Instincts
"Cause you're an animal, an animal / And you're closin' in on me (You animal) / Yeah, you're an animal, an animal / And it just can't be this way"
The pre-chorus repeats, reinforcing the tension between Gaga and the "animal" figure. This repetition emphasizes the primal nature of the attraction, but also the internal conflict. Gaga continues to struggle with the pull of desire and the realization that it may not be healthy or sustainable, hinting at a moral or emotional dilemma despite the physical connection.
Bridge: Longing, Fantasy, and Goodbye
"I don't want you to stay (I don't want you to stay) / But I can't watch you walk away (Watch you walk away) / I'll think about you in my dreams (See you in my dreams) / You're better off a fantasy (A fantasy, a fantasy) / Fantasy (My fantasy, my fantasy) / Goodbye, I'll see you in my dreams"
The bridge marks a shift, introducing a sense of longing and regret. Gaga expresses that while she doesn't want the person to stay, she can't bear to see them leave either. The lines "I'll think about you in my dreams" and "You're better off a fantasy" reveal a recognition that the relationship or encounter is fleeting, possibly unrealistic, and better left as a dream or fantasy. This suggests a bittersweet realization that the night’s events can't be translated into something real or lasting. "Goodbye" signifies the end of this temporary connection, reinforcing the theme of impermanence.
Chorus & Post-Chorus: Reprise and Cyclical Desire
The final chorus and post-chorus reprise mirror the earlier sections, returning to the idea of surrendering to the moment. The repetition of "zombieboy" and "we about to be up all night" reflects the cyclical nature of the experience—how the excitement, confusion, and attraction persist, even though it’s clear that the consequences are inevitable.
Lady Gaga Zombieboy Review: A Celebration of Temporary Escapism
Throughout "Zombieboy", Lady Gaga uses vivid, animalistic metaphors to explore the complexities of fleeting attraction, temporary escapism, and the inevitable aftermath of indulgence. Drawing inspiration from Rick Genest’s persona and her own experiences, the song blends celebration with introspection, creating an anthem that embraces both the thrill and the consequences of living in the moment.
Lady Gaga Zombieboy Lyrics
[Intro]
We about to be up all night, wakin' up a zombie
So put your paws all over me, you zombieboy, you zombieboy
[Verse 1]
See you over there in the back of this party
And your girlfriend isn't here, yeah, your girlfriend isn't here
Boy inside a cage, lookin' angry and tired
Like you've been up for days, like you've been up for days
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause you're an animal, an animal
And you're closin' in on me
Yeah, you're an animal, an animal
And it just can't be this way
[Chorus]
Oh, I can't see straight and my hands are tied
I could be your type from your zombie bite
No, I can't see straight but the feeling's right
I could be your type from your zombie bite
[Post-Chorus]
We about to be up all night, wakin' up a zombie
So put your paws all over me, you zombieboy
[Verse 2]
Think you're really sly, like a lion on the hunt for
This kitten over here, this kitten over here (Meow)
Bar is gettin' dry, and you starin' at the sunrise
Like you're thirsty over there, bet you're thirsty over there
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause you're an animal, an animal
And you're closin' in on me (You animal)
Yeah, you're an animal, an animal
And it just can't be this way
[Chorus]
Oh, I can't see straight and my hands are tied
I could be your type from your zombie bite
No, I can't see straight but the feeling's right
I could be your type from your zombie bite
[Post-Chorus]
Put your paws all over me, you zombieboy
Put your paws all over me, you zombieboy
[Bridge]
I don't want you to stay (I don't want you to stay)
But I can't watch you walk away (Watch you walk away)
I'll think about you in my dreams (See you in my dreams)
You're better off a fantasy (A fantasy, a fantasy)
Fantasy (My fantasy, my fantasy)
Goodbye, I'll see you in my dreams
[Chorus]
Oh, I can't see straight and my hands are tied
I could be your type from your zombie bite
No, I can't see straight but the feeling's right
I could be your type from your zombie bite
[Post-Chorus]
We about to be up all night, wakin' up a zombie
So put your paws all over me, you zombieboy
We about to be up all night, wakin' up a zombie
So put your paws all over me, you zombieboy