Her
Alanis Morissette Lyrics


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I am on the floor
I am in my kitchen
This place is so familiar on my knees
I can hear the footsteps
I can see their back walking out
I don't know who to reach for when I need

And so I'll pray to Her today
I ask for mercy and I beg for pauses
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
She's coming in warm all like Kali
And coursing through my veins like liquid Mary
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

She's not buying my shell
She sees right through my armor
She lingers in my shadows knowingly

She treats them like they're angels
And maybe they are angels really
She beckons me to braver inquiry

And so I pray to Her today
I ask for mercy and I beg for patience
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
She's coming in hot all like Shakti
And coursing through my veins like liquid Mary
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

And even though she knows me well
It doesn't mean it's easy to pull me out of my self-imposed hell

She knows all of my secrets
When I'm out of my body
I'm starting to see outlines of her face

She follows me when I run away
And even when I cut her off
She still says that she loves me, come what may

And so I pray to Her today
I ask for mercy and I beg for pauses
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
She's coming in hot like all Kali
And coursing through my veins like liquid Mary




Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
Ooh, oh, oh

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Alanis Morissette's song "Her" appear to be about a deep connection with a higher power or divine entity that the singer refers to as "Her." The song portrays a sense of vulnerability and longing for guidance. The first verse describes the singer feeling defeated and lost, seeking someone to lean on during difficult times. The reference to being on the floor and in the kitchen adds an intimate and personal touch to the lyrics.


The chorus reveals the singer's prayers to "Her," asking for mercy, pauses, and patience. The use of specific names like Kali and Mary implies that "Her" is multifaceted, embodying different aspects of the divine feminine. Kali is a Hindu goddess associated with destruction and transformation, while Mary represents purity and motherly love. The imagery of "liquid Mary" coursing through the singer's veins suggests a profound spiritual experience or connection.


The second verse introduces the idea that "She" sees through the singer's defenses and understands their struggles. The reference to shadows implies that "She" recognizes and accepts the singer's flaws. The lyrics express a desire for growth and exploration, with "Her" encouraging the singer to be brave in seeking answers and understanding.


The bridge further emphasizes the depth of the connection between the singer and "Her." It portrays "Her" knowing the singer's secrets, even when they are out of their body or running away. The persistence of love despite attempts to push "Her" away reflects a powerful and unconditional bond.


Overall, the lyrics of "Her" beautifully portray a deep spiritual relationship, where the singer seeks guidance, comfort, and love from a divine presence represented by "Her."


Line by Line Meaning

I am on the floor
I am feeling low and defeated


I am in my kitchen
I am in a familiar and comforting place


This place is so familiar on my knees
I am familiar with feeling helpless and vulnerable


I can hear the footsteps
I can sense someone leaving


I can see their back walking out
I see them leaving me behind


I don't know who to reach for when I need
I don't have anyone to turn to in times of need


And so I'll pray to Her today
I will seek guidance and support from a higher power


I ask for mercy and I beg for pauses
I plead for compassion and moments of respite


She's coming in warm all like Kali
She is entering my life with intense transformative energy


And coursing through my veins like liquid Mary
She is flowing through me like divine love and grace


She's not buying my shell
She sees through my facade and inner defenses


She sees right through my armor
She understands the layers of protection I have built


She lingers in my shadows knowingly
She remains present in my darkest aspects with understanding


She treats them like they're angels
She regards my flaws and vulnerabilities as beautiful and sacred


And maybe they are angels really
Perhaps my imperfections are divine aspects in disguise


She beckons me to braver inquiry
She calls me to explore and confront my fears courageously


And even though she knows me well
Despite her deep understanding of me


It doesn't mean it's easy to pull me out of my self-imposed hell
It is still challenging to escape the suffering I create for myself


She knows all of my secrets
She is aware of all my hidden truths


When I'm out of my body
When I am disconnected from myself


I'm starting to see outlines of her face
I begin to recognize her presence and influence


She follows me when I run away
She remains with me even when I try to escape


And even when I cut her off
Even when I distance myself from her


She still says that she loves me, come what may
She continues to express love for me, unconditionally


Ooh, oh, oh




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Alanis Morissette, Michael Farrell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@adalbertolastre8308

I am on the floor
I am in my kitchen
This place is so familiar on my knees

I can hear the footsteps
I can see their back walking out
I don't know who to reach for when I need

And so I'll pray to her today
I ask for mercy and I beg for pauses
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh
She's coming in warm all like Kali
And coursing through my veins like Liquid Mary
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

She's not buying my shell
She sees right through my armor
She lingers in my shadows knowingly

She treats them like they're angels
And maybe they are angels, really
She beckons me to braver inquiry

And so I pray to her today
I ask for mercy and I beg for patience
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

She's coming in hot all like Shakti
And coursing through my veins like Liquid Mary
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

And even though she knows me well
It doesn't mean it's easy to pull me out of my self-imposed hell

She knows all of my secrets
When I'm out of my body
I'm starting to see outlines of her face

She follows me when I run away
And even when I cut her off
She still says that she loves me, come what may

And so I pray to her today
I ask for mercy and I beg for pauses
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

She's coming in hot like all Kali
And coursing through my veins like Liquid Mary
Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh

Oh, oh, oh



All comments from YouTube:

@GustavoFranco10

Alanis singing about the divine feminine. What could be more powerful than that? This is as powerful as any song of JLP. I can feel the same urgency and emotion from that era but with a total different vibe. Thanks Alanis for sharing such true music in times where people stick to shaking asses. ❤️

@rshanon1

I lost my mom last year and I cried all the way through this honest, sweet, song. It's been a wonderful release for me and it's so beautiful! Thank you Alanis for this. And every song is just amazing. Don't ever stop. <3

@yokoweaver8033

I am so sorry for your loss. As much as you miss her, she feels the same way. You are still her daughter, sweet, LOVE!
Please know she is with you when you think of her. Please feel her arms and share anything with her.

@minecratsilentbuild5720

we need a documentary film of her and how she became who she is because all her music has so much soul meaning and heart

@NahlaAnwer

She did an audiobook/interview for audible and it kind of does this to a point.

@murillocosta3049

your prayers have been heard and there's a documentary on HBO next month about her, though she was not very fond of it herself hehe

@nova4005

Have you seen this video of her breaking down about 10 of her songs. I liked it, you might like it too.
https://youtu.be/Mgut6HTtVhY

@Lylan-iz4hq

Yep!!!

@Fight4FatalFrame

Wow. I was looking for a prayer in 2020. And Alanis sang. Thank you for sharing your talents. It shows us all there's a place for us.

@andreamasone4616

How very lovely.

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