The lyrics of Joan Jett and The Blackhearts' song "Who Can You Trust" reflect feelings of deception, confusion, and the struggle to determine whom to rely on. The song portrays a sense of vulnerability and the fear of being taken advantage of. The opening lines, "My animal nature, Will dominate ya, Just wait and see," suggest that there is a raw, instinctive side to the persona, indicating a desire to take control. However, the subsequent lyrics, "Yeah, there's no protection, This whole deception, Is killing me," signify a recognition of vulnerability and the negative consequences that deceit can have. Throughout the song, there is a repeated theme of the lyrics "Take aim and fire, Gotcha," expressing a sense of betrayal and being caught off guard. The speaker realizes that their trust has been misplaced, and they are now experiencing the consequences of that betrayal. The chorus highlights the dilemma of knowing who to trust, as the repeated question "Who can you trust?" emphasizes the uncertainty and confusion surrounding this issue. The line "Just say enough is enough" indicates the need to put an end to the cycle of being deceived and taken advantage of. Overall, the song portrays a narrative of someone who has been deceived and is grappling with the aftermath. It conveys a sense of caution and wariness towards others, emphasizing the difficulty in finding trustworthy individuals in a world filled with deception.
