PETTING ZOO

Justin Bieber

Lyrics

[Chorus] I'm lying if I said I was wrong Be lying if said I was right All I know is I don't wanna fight (Don't wanna fight, don't wanna fight, don't wanna fight) So why we fightin'? It's easy when you're leading me on Displeasing when you're blocking me out I'll take the bait if that's what you want (If that's what you want) I guess we're fightin' (Woah)

[Verse] I told you that you fuckin' with a man (Man) Yeah, I told you I don't play that shit, no cap (Yeah, no cap) Bitch, I told you I'm not doin' tit-for-tat, no (Oh) Don't make me say some shit I can't take back (Oh yeah)

[Refrain] Say you had enough ('Nough), oh, I'm drunk (Drunk) Then you blame it on the fact that I hit the blunt (Oh) Now we're making up, roll another one (Ooh) I do what I want, I do what I want (Want)

[Chorus] I'm lying if I said I was wrong Be Iying if I said I was right All I know is I don't wanna fight (Don't wanna fight, don't wanna fight) So why we fightin'? It's easy when you're leading me on (It's easy, babe) Displeasing whеn you're blocking me out (Out) I'll take thе bait if that's what you want (If that's what you want, is that what you want? Is that what you want?) I guess we're fightin'

[Verse] Two hands on your waist, let's speak no more lies Don't you pull away, let me see through your disguise Can't you see you love me independently (Oh) Instead of always thinking, being paranoid? When you're feeling low, you keep me company (Keep me) I can tell you need my touch, not just sympathy It's dealer's choice, oh, guess it all depends Wanna play for keeps or is it all a game?

[Refrain] Say you had enough, oh, I'm drunk Then you blame it on the fact that I hit the blunt Now we're making up (Oh), roll another one (Ooh) I do what I want (Oh), I do what I want (But I miss you)

[Outro] Don't wanna fight, don't wanna fight (I miss you) Don't wanna fight, don't wanna (I miss you) Don't wanna fight, don't wanna (I miss you), ooh, oh Don't wanna (I miss you), yeah Don't wanna fight, don't wanna, oh (I miss you, oh) Don't wanna fight, don't wanna fight (I miss you, oh) Don't wanna fight, don't wanna fight (I miss you, oh) Don't wanna fight, don't wanna fight (I miss you, oh) Don't wanna fight, don't wanna fight (I miss you, oh) Don't wanna fight, don't wanna fight (I miss you, oh)

Chorus: Meaning

The chorus establishes the core conflict of the song: a relationship caught in a stalemate. Bieber admits that claiming either side is definitively "right" or "wrong" would be a lie, highlighting the complexity and shared fault in their arguments. His repeated declaration, "I don't wanna fight," is a cry of exhaustion, which clashes with the reality he feels manipulated into: "I'll take the bait if that's what you want." This reveals a toxic dynamic where he feels provoked into conflicts he'd rather avoid.

First Verse & Refrain: Meaning

In the first verse, Bieber asserts his maturity and sets boundaries, warning his partner that he's not interested in petty, retaliatory arguments ("not doin' tit-for-tat"). The aggressive tone and explicit language show his frustration boiling over, cautioning her not to push him to say something he'll regret. The refrain then paints a picture of their toxic cycle: an argument starts, fueled by his intoxication, which she uses as blame. This is immediately followed by a makeup session and a return to the very behavior that caused the issue ("roll another one"). The line "I do what I want" is a defiant assertion of his independence, even if it contributes to the problem.

Second Verse: Meaning

This verse marks a shift from confrontation to a desire for connection. He wants to move past the verbal sparring ("speak no more lies") and reconnect on a physical and emotional level. He pleads with her to see past her "disguise" of anger or paranoia, believing her love for him is real and independent of her insecurities. He positions himself as a source of genuine comfort ("not just sympathy") and then throws down an ultimatum: "Wanna play for keeps or is it all a game?" He's questioning the seriousness of their relationship and forcing her to decide if the endless fighting is just a game to her.

Outro: Meaning

The outro strips away all the anger and defiance, revealing Bieber's true, vulnerable feelings. The repeated chant "Don't wanna fight" becomes a mantra of his exhaustion. Woven throughout this are the whispered ad-libs "I miss you." This contrast shows that beneath all the toxic cycles and frustrating arguments, his fundamental desire is for closeness and reconciliation. The fight is just noise; what he really feels is the pain of her absence.

About "PETTING ZOO"

"PETTING ZOO" is a raw and confrontational unreleased R&B track by Justin Bieber, part of the fan-compiled "SWAG II" collection. The song dives deep into the frustrating and cyclical nature of a toxic relationship argument. Through its lyrics, Bieber explores the push-and-pull of fighting, making up, and repeating the same mistakes. It's a candid look at a love that is fraught with conflict, where defiance and frustration are ultimately undercut by a vulnerable longing for connection.

FAQ

What is the meaning of the song "PETTING ZOO"?

"PETTING ZOO" is about the exhausting cycle of a toxic relationship. It details the pattern of arguing, blaming each other (often fueled by substance use), making up, and then falling right back into the same behavior. It's a song about feeling trapped in a cycle of conflict and reconciliation.

Why is the song called "PETTING ZOO"?

While not explicitly stated, the title "PETTING ZOO" is likely a metaphor. It could symbolize a relationship that feels like a contained, chaotic spectacle for others to watch, or the feeling of being treated like an animal in a cage, going around in circles with the same pointless arguments.

Is "PETTING ZOO" an official Justin Bieber song?

No, "PETTING ZOO" is an unreleased song. It is part of a collection of leaked demos known to fans as "SWAG II" and has not been officially released on a studio album or single.

What does "I'll take the bait if that's what you want" mean?

This line signifies the singer's awareness of being provoked. He knows his partner is trying to start a fight ("the bait"), and he is expressing his reluctant willingness to engage in the argument, highlighting the dysfunctional and manipulative dynamic of their communication.

What is the main theme of the song?

The main theme is the push-and-pull of a dysfunctional relationship. It explores themes of toxic cycles, miscommunication, defiance, and the underlying desire for love and connection that gets lost amidst the constant fighting.

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The Deeper Meaning of "PETTING ZOO"

Meaning of PETTING ZOO by Justin Bieber

"PETTING ZOO" serves as a raw, unfiltered confessional about a relationship stuck on a destructive loop. The song dissects the anatomy of a recurring fight, moving from the exhausted stalemate of the chorus to the aggressive frustration of the verses and the self-destructive cycle of the refrain. It’s a portrait of two people who know each other's buttons and aren't afraid to push them.

The track's brilliance lies in its emotional honesty. Beneath the bravado ("I do what I want") and the anger ("Don't make me say some shit I can't take back"), there's a deep-seated vulnerability. Bieber questions the very foundation of the relationship, asking if it's "for keeps" or "all a game." This existential dread about the relationship's future is what fuels the conflict.

Ultimately, the song is not about winning the fight, but about the longing to end it. The outro, with its desperate repetition of "Don't wanna fight" and the heartfelt admission "I miss you," reveals the song's true core. The conflict is just a symptom of a deeper problem: a breakdown in connection that both parties are tired of, yet can't seem to escape. It’s a poignant depiction of loving someone amidst chaos.