I could liken you to a werewolf
The way you left me for dead
But I admit that I provided a full moon

And I could liken you to a shark
The way you bit off my head
But then again I was waving around a bleeding open wound

But you were such a super guy
'Til the second you get away from me
We're like a wishing well
And a bolt of electricity
But we could still support each other
All we gotta do is avoid each other
Nothing wrong when a song ends in the minor key
Nothing wrong when a song ends in the minor key

The lava of a volcano
Shot up hot from under the sea
One thing leads to another
And you made an island of me

And I could liken you to a chemical
The way you made me compound to compound
But I'm a chemical too
Inevitable you and me would mix

And I could liken you to a lot of things
But I always come around
'Cause in the end I'm a sensible girl
I know the fiction of the fix

But you were such a super guy
'Til the second you get away from me
We're like a wishing well
And a bolt of electricity
But we could still support each other
All we gotta do is avoid each other
Nothing wrong when a song ends in the minor key
Nothing wrong when a song ends in the minor key

Overall Meaning

In the song "Werewolf," Fiona Apple compares her former lover to various dangerous creatures and chemicals, illustrating how the relationship left her feeling drained, hurt, and betrayed. She likens him to a werewolf, suggesting that he turned vicious and left her for dead. However, she takes responsibility for her part in the breakup, acknowledging that she "provided a full moon," meaning she may have pushed him away. Similarly, she compares him to a shark who bit off her head, but also admits that she was waving around an open wound, suggesting that she may have been asking for trouble.

She then shifts the comparison to a volcano, indicating that their relationship was explosive and left her feeling like an isolated island. She compares him to a chemical, but acknowledges that she herself is also a chemical, indicating that they were inevitably going to mix, despite the harm it caused. In the end, Fiona suggests that they should avoid each other, despite still being able to support each other. The song ends on a melancholic note, emphasizing that there is nothing wrong with a song ending in the minor key.

Overall, "Werewolf" is a poignant reflection on a toxic and passionate relationship that left Fiona feeling vulnerable and exposed. The haunting melody, combined with Fiona's raw vocals and vivid imagery, create a powerful and emotional listening experience that will resonate with anyone who has experienced a tumultuous love affair.

Line by Line Meaning

I could liken you to a werewolf
I am comparing you to a werewolf

The way you left me for dead
You abandoned me, leaving me feeling hopeless

But I admit that I provided a full moon
I accept that I played a role in your behavior, provoking your tendencies

And I could liken you to a shark
I am comparing you to a shark

The way you bit off my head
You hurt me deeply, taking everything from me

But then again I was waving around a bleeding open wound
I was vulnerable, with an obvious weakness, which you took advantage of

But you were such a super guy
At first, you seemed like an amazing person

'Til the second you get away from me
But as soon as you were out of reach, your true self was revealed

We're like a wishing well
Our relationship is like a wish-granting well

And a bolt of electricity
But also like a sudden, intense burst of energy

But we could still support each other
We could be there for each other, despite our flaws and issues

All we gotta do is avoid each other
The only way we can continue this support is by keeping our distance

Nothing wrong when a song ends in the minor key
It's okay for things to end on a sad note

The lava of a volcano
The intense emotions within me

Shot up hot from under the sea
Erupted suddenly, without warning

One thing leads to another
One action has consequences that lead to more actions

And you made an island of me
You isolated me, making me feel alone

And I could liken you to a chemical
I am comparing you to a chemical

The way you made me compound to compound
Our connection was strong, mixing together like two chemicals

But I'm a chemical too
I also have my own properties and reactions

Inevitable you and me would mix
It was only natural that we would come together and interact

And I could liken you to a lot of things
I could compare you to many different things

But I always come around
But in the end, I always return to the same comparison

'Cause in the end I'm a sensible girl
Because I am rational and logical

I know the fiction of the fix
I understand that there is no easy solution or perfect ending

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