The narrative voice of the song alternates between verses, forming a kind of dialogue between two people, which apparently chronicles a love affair that an underage Morissette had with a record executive. She reportedly said in an interview to US Weekly that the song is about an affair she had with a man who was 29 years old when she was 14. Their relationship lasted for five years.
According to another interview, given to Rex Rutkoski and published in the music magazine The Inside Connection, Alanis explained that: "I did it for the sake of my being liberated at long last. Whether you call it statutory rape or inappropriate behavior by an adult—it doesn't matter. I felt at the time I had only two choices—I pick either working with this person or not doing music at all. Hopefully some 16-year-old can think of me for even 10 milliseconds and realize they're not alone or crazy."
Some people have speculated that the relationship referenced is the same one that served as the basis for her earlier hit, "You Oughta Know".
An acoustic version of "Hands Clean" was released as a b-side to "Precious Illusions", the album's second single, and included on the Under Rug Swept rarities collection Feast on Scraps.
"Hands Clean" did well with U.S. radio, peaking at number three on Billboard's Adult Top 40 chart and number twenty-three on the Billboard Hot 100, and it helped Under Rug Swept go platinum in the U.S. Its music video featured a television monitor illustrating the single's presumed inspiration through its production and eventual release as a mainstream hit. It begins in a sushi bar, with Alanis seeing someone she appeared hesitant to meet. A flashback occurs to where they had met before, and shows the rejection of affection on the part of Alanis. It then follows her musical successes for the next few months until she meets with him again, older and wiser. The video features actor Chris Sarandon.
Hands Clean
Alanis Morissette Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
If you weren't so wise beyond your years
I would've been able to control myself
If it weren't for my attention, you wouldn't have been successful and if
If it weren't for me you would never have amounted to very much
Ooh, this could be messy but
But you don't seem to mind and
And overlook this supposed crime
We'll fast forward to a few years later
And no one knows except the both of us
And I have honored your request for silence
And you've washed your hands clean of this
You're essentially my employee and I like you having to depend on me
You're kind of my protege and one day
You'll say you learned all you know from me
I know you depend on me like a young thing would to a guardian
I know you sexualize me like a young thing would and I think I like it
Ooh, this could get messy but
Ooh, you don't seem to mind
Dude, don't go telling everybody
And overlook this supposed crime
We'll fast forward to a few years later
And no one knows except the both of us
I've more than honored your request for silence
And you've washed your hands clean of this
What part of our history's reinvented and under rug swept?
What part of your memory is selective and tends to forget?
What with this distance it seems so obvious
Just make sure you don't tell on me, especially to members of your family
We best keep this to ourselves and not tell any members of our inner posse
I wish I could tell the world
'Cause you're such a pretty thing when you're done up properly
I might want to marry you one day if you watch that weight and keep your firm body
Ooh, this could be messy and
Ooh, I don't seem to mind
Ooh, don't go telling everybody
And overlook this supposed crime
We'll fast forward to a few years later
And no one knows except the both of us
And I have honored your request for silence
And you've washed your hands clean of this
Ooh, this could get messy but
Ooh, I don't seem to mind
Ooh, don't go telling everybody
And overlook this supposed crime
We'll fast forward to a few years later
And no one knows except the both of us
And I have honored your request for silence
And you've washed your hands clean of this
The song "Hands Clean" by Alanis Morissette seems to be about a forbidden relationship between the singer and a younger person, possibly even a minor. The singer of the song seems to be in a position of power over the other person, as they refer to them as their employee and protege. The first verse indicates that the younger person is more mature and wise than their age would suggest, and that the singer would have been able to control themselves if it weren't for this. The second verse suggests that they have been able to keep the relationship a secret for years, and that both parties have agreed to stay silent. The chorus repeats that this could be messy, but neither person seems to mind, and they don't want anyone to find out.
The lyrics become more uncomfortable in the bridge, when the singer mentions wanting to marry the person one day, as long as they watch their weight and keep their body firm. The song ends with another chorus emphasizing the importance of silence.
Overall, the song is a complex and uncomfortable exploration of power dynamics and forbidden relationships, and the lyrics are open to interpretation. The song is often thought to be inspired by Morissette's own experiences with an older man when she was a teenager, although she has not confirmed this.
Line by Line Meaning
If it weren't for your maturity, none of this would have happened
If you weren't so wise beyond your years, I wouldn't have been able to seduce you
If it weren't for my attention, you wouldn't have been successful and if
If I hadn't taken advantage of you, you wouldn't have advanced in your career
Ooh, this could be messy but
This relationship is inappropriate and could lead to troubles
But you don't seem to mind and
But you are willing to overlook the consequences and continue the relationship
Ooh, don't go telling everybody
Don't expose our secret affair to others
And overlook this supposed crime
And ignore the fact that we are engaging in unethical behavior
We'll fast forward to a few years later
We'll skip ahead in time and see how this relationship plays out
And no one knows except the both of us
No one else is aware of what we are doing
And I have honored your request for silence
I have kept our secret safe, as you requested
You're essentially my employee and I like you having to depend on me
You are in a subordinate position to me, and I enjoy the power dynamic
You're kind of my protege and one day
You are my mentee, and I hope to guide you to success
You'll say you learned all you know from me
You will credit me for your achievements and knowledge
I know you depend on me like a young thing would to a guardian
I know you rely on me like a naive person would rely on a guardian or protector
I know you sexualize me like a young thing would and I think I like it
I know you view me in a sexual manner, like a young person would, and I am enjoying the attention
What part of our history's reinvented and under rug swept?
What aspects of our past have been altered or hidden?
What part of your memory is selective and tends to forget?
What parts of your memory have conveniently forgotten our inappropriate relationship?
What with this distance it seems so obvious
From an objective standpoint, it's clear that our relationship is inappropriate
Just make sure you don't tell on me, especially to members of your family
Please don't expose our secret affair, especially to your loved ones
We best keep this to ourselves and not tell any members of our inner posse
We should keep this relationship confidential and not share it with anyone in our social circle
I wish I could tell the world
I wish we could share our love with everyone openly
'Cause you're such a pretty thing when you're done up properly
Because you are attractive when you dress up nicely
I might want to marry you one day if you watch that weight and keep your firm body
I might consider marrying you if you maintain a certain physical appearance
And you've washed your hands clean of this
And you have distanced yourself from our relationship and chosen not to be responsible for its consequences
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Alanis Morissette
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@cb_2887
When I was younger, I just listened to this. Now that I'm older, I feel it.
@gilsonjunior6963
If only I could tell you how much your comment hurt on me as well... Just hope that things may work out in your heart and your mind!
Peace!
@Lorrrnah
So very, very true.
@nikkiberetta9969
Yes, I know exactly what you mean
@joet.6019
Amen
@bazarleam2593
When I was younger I knew I never wanted to feel it... I was right.
@stevemrmusic9-zs7zs
I get chills at the brilliance of this song. Everytime that elevated chorus kicks in. ⭐️✨
@trilionariobilionario3564
The guitar .
@stevemrmusic9-zs7zs
@Trilionário Bilionario Absolutely. The whole vibe.
@trilionariobilionario3564
@@stevemrmusic9-zs7zs Yeah :)