Not as We is a song about learning how to relive your life without someone … Read Full Bio ↴Not as We is a song about learning how to relive your life without someone else in it. Someone who was a big part of your life and now you don't know how you're going to get by without them, so you have to "psuedo-making it " and basically just taking it one day at a time.

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01Citizen of the Planet

02Underneath4:05

03Straitjacket3:08

04Versions of Violence

05Not as We4:22

PT4M22S

Alanis Morissette

06In Praise of the Vulnerable Man

07Moratorium

08Torch4:49

09Giggling Again for No Reason3:48

10Tapes

11Incomplete3:30

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Not as We
Alanis Morissette Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Reborn and shivering
Spat out on new terrain
Unsure, unconvincing
This faint and shaky hour

Day one, day one
Start over again
Step one, step one
I'm barely making sense
For now I'm faking it
'Til I'm pseudo making it
From scratch, begin again
But this time I as I and not as we

Gun shy and quivering
Timid without a hand
Feign brave with steel intent
Little and hardly here

Day one, day one
Start over again
Step one, step one
With not much making sense
Just yet I'm faking it
'Til I'm pseudo making it
From scratch, begin again
But this time I as I and not as we

Eyes wet toward
Wide open frayed
If God's taking bets
I pray he wants to lose

Day one, day one
Start over again
Step one, step one
I'm barely making sense
Just yet I'm faking it
'Til I'm pseudo making it
From scratch, begin again
But this time I as I and not as we

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Alanis Morissette's song "Not As We" depict a journey of rebirth and transformation. The singer is portrayed as feeling unsure, unconvincing, gun shy, and quivering on new terrain. It is as if the singer has been reborn but is struggling to adjust to their new life. They are faking it until they make it, and hope that God is on their side.

The repetition of "day one" and "step one" emphasizes that this is a new start and that the singer is taking things one day, one step at a time. The use of "I" instead of "we" represents the singer's newfound independence, as they've left behind their old life in order to start anew.

The imagery in the chorus is particularly evocative. The singer's eyes are wet and wide open, suggesting that they are awake and alive to the world. They pray that God loses their bet, indicating that they are not afraid of a challenge and are willing to take risks.

Overall, the lyrics of "Not As We" seem to be about the process of self-discovery and growth that comes after a major life change. The singer is moving forward, albeit hesitantly, and is embracing their independence.

Line by Line Meaning

Reborn and shivering
Starting fresh, feeling vulnerable

Spat out on new terrain
Thrown into an unfamiliar situation

Unsure, unconvincing
Feeling uncertain and unconfident

This faint and shaky hour
Current moment is weak and unstable

Day one, day one
Beginning anew

Start over again
Restarting from the beginning

Step one, step one
Taking it one step at a time

I'm barely making sense
Struggling to understand

For now I'm faking it
Putting on a facade

'Til I'm pseudo making it
Acting until I become what I need to be

From scratch, begin again
Starting from the beginning

But this time I as I and not as we
Taking control of my life and not relying on others

Gun shy and quivering
Feeling scared and hesitant

Timid without a hand
Afraid without support

Feign brave with steel intent
Pretending to be strong and determined

Little and hardly here
Feeling small and insignificant

Eyes wet toward
Crying towards

Wide open frayed
Torn apart and vulnerable

If God's taking bets
If there's a higher power watching

I pray he wants to lose
Hoping that things will turn out differently

Lyrics © WARP MUSIC LIMITED, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Alanis Morissette, Guy Sigsworth

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@riaanvanrooyen1427

5y↑6

Lyrics

Reborn and shivering
Spat out on new terrain
Unsure unconvincing
This faint and shaky hour
Day one, day one
Start over again
Step one, step one
I'm barely making sense
For now I'm faking it
Till I'm pseudo making it
From scratch, begin again
But this time I as I and not as we
Gun shy and quivering
Timid without a hand
Feign brave with steel intent
Little and hardly here
Day one, day one
Start over again
Step one, step one
I'm barely making sense
For now I'm faking it
Till I'm pseudo making it
From scratch, begin again
But this time I as I and not as we
Eyes wet toward
Wide open frayed
If God's taking bets
I pray He wants to lose
Day one, day one
Start over again
Step one, step one
I'm barely making sense
For now I'm faking it
Till I'm pseudo making it
From scratch, begin again
But this time I as I and not as we

@noemiegayet5949

4y↑80

Lyrics :

Reborn and shivering
Spat out on new terrain
Unsure, unconvincing
This faint and shaky hour

Day one, day one
Start over again
Step one, step one
I'm barely making sense
For now I'm faking it
'Til I'm pseudo making it
From scratch, begin again
But this time I as I and not as we

Gun shy and quivering
Timid without a hand
Feign brave with steel intent
Little and hardly here

Day one, day one
Start over again
Step one, step one
With not much making sense
Just yet I'm faking it
'Til I'm pseudo making it
From scratch, begin again
But this time I as I and not as we

Eyes wet toward
Wide open frayed
If God's taking bets
I pray he wants to lose

Day one, day one
Start over again
Step one, step one
I'm barely making sense
Just yet I'm faking it
'Til I'm pseudo making it
From scratch, begin again
But this time I as I and not as we

All comments from YouTube:

@earlpitsch2149

47w↑27

I don't think you can define all the emotional facets her voice evokes but she is unquestionably a gift to humanity as such.

@TheMalf1978

23w

Dude, you need to get out more. You seem so lonely.

@lindaabitbol21

2y↑4

Alanis MORISSETTE est un ange tombé du ciel pour vous transpercer le coeur avec sa voix puissante et envoûtante !! 🥰🤩🤗💯❤️👏

@Sprklnstrwbrygrly

8y↑138

I always thought this song was so under rated compared to some of her other songs. So beautiful...

@alsignoracci1773

3y↑1

I agree ,I never heard this on the radio

@julianlewis1792

2y↑1

This song is one of her best!

@user-ff2ij1gl9b

1y↑1

@Julian Lewis hallo

@julianlewis1792

@Анна Ґортен Hello

@elinorhawke-szady1198

9y↑89

One of the most powerful female singers I've ever heard - love Alanis' range and vocal uniqueness.

@hearjohnny

6y↑16

This song moves me so much! Aching melody. Enilghtened lyrics. The video is lovely. The scene on the beach where she is comforting herself with her head in her own lap is brilliant and astounding.

@loreleigoldman2460

28w↑1

@herejohnny
It is a beautiful scene, and sometimes we must comfort ourselves with self-care.

@apolloobserved

7y↑80

The song captures the pain of a loss especially when going through a divorce. Thanks Alanis for your voice in the fog.

@Demeuse79

41w↑3

This captures the pain I am going through with a recent breakup. This song helps me feel the feelings and gives me hope of moving on. Thank you, Alanis. God bless you and your beautiful voice

@kathrynfeltner8943

6y↑2

The video depicts exactly how I felt when my brother died. I was quiet, and still, and as fragile as a burnt leaf. The raw emotions that are felt in the words of this song are haunting. "Day one, day one, step one, step one...." I fell across this song again today, a day before the 13th anniversary of my brother's suicide. I have lost people in my life but his death really hurt in ways I never could have imagined. I miss you brother and I love you.

@l.l.9042

20w

❤

@827Drew

7y↑41

Her voice, and the lyrics are beautiful. Should be more songs like this.

@funi3048

14y↑4

It doesn't get much better than this. Wonderful song.

@debfan74

14y↑6

This is one song that should have gotten much more respect....shame on radio for NOT playing this!!!!! I love this song and when Alanis gets this deep, I love it....this is one of many that has helped me thru the pain I went thru when i broke up with a guy I really loved!! This song still helps me thru when I need Alanis to get the tears out and make me think of what is about to come my way....Thank U Alanis for being best friend musically/lyrically!

@rainmaya84

13y↑5

The part where the water hit her feet brought goosebumps to me..Love is about letting go as much as about possessing. This song resonates all the courage to embrace life!

@shawn1428

4y↑55

i know Jagged Little Pill was the groundbreaking album with the most exposure, but Flavors is her most personal, self-evolved melodic album to date and my personal favourite. It's Alanis's ULTRAVIOLENCE of her career.

@christopher1670

4y↑1

Same here!

@hearjohnny

28w

I agree. For me, Jagged was the jumping off point but she just keeps getting better.

@elizabethdavis6334

4y↑15

Alanis, you've spoken the state of my heart time and time over the years. I could never thank you enough for helping bring clarity to me through your lyrics. You are a special friend.

@richardbradshaw7830

2y↑3

i came across your touching comment in the death of love ones post here on you tube. Well am really sorry about that okay 😒☹️and I know how it feels to be lonely without our love ones, we've all lost our love ones in death one way or the other, either a spouse, child, family members, or a true friend that meant the world to us, such is life I understand how you feel but life must move on because death is inevitable no matter how hard we try! And we'll all have to face it someday......

@dannybtch

8y↑31

There's no words that could express how I love this song. I heard it for the very first time in a bad moment of my life, when a relationship was ruining.

@MyNewtIsMinute

7y↑4

Daniel Souza I can't tell you how similar my experience was. One of the most important songs of my life.

@riaanvanrooyen1427

5y↑6

@noemiegayet5949

4y↑80

@cristinagrossu3188

4y↑5

Thank you...weired how I found this song and its lyrics in the exact moment...

@anicapreston3198

1y↑1

@Cristina Grossu I'm glad it talked you into staying. Hope you are still with us

@cristinagrossu3188

1y↑1

@Anica Preston thank you. Yess...Still here

@InfiniteQuest86

51w↑2

@Cristina Grossu Yes! Stick with it!

@tonyxs86

13y↑1

Magifique cette chanson je l'écoute en boucle !

@mimaice

12y↑3

Essa voz não sai da minha mente, é muito perfeita

@MusicAndPassion1

13y↑1

Alanis is an artist of the ages! For more than a decade and a half, she's been on my list of favourite artists! When Alanis feels something---whatever it is--- she writes about it; her work is very unique and genuine. Love it.

@SanJunipero7

23w

This song has resonated with me in other ways than the romantic breakup connection. In times of extreme grief, this song hits home. After my miscarriage, I grieved what could have been with my baby boy. I grieved the loss of experiences we could have had together. I was so sad. This song also helped me through the deaths of several pets. I grieved the walks we would take together, playing catch, the snuggles, and the companionship we had throughout the years. I couldn’t get out of bed for days after each death. I needed to take things one step at a time and “fake it” in a sense because I just wanted to curl up and die at the time. There’s still a hole in my heart from each loss but I’m in a much better place emotionally now.

@aarondipietro7407

10y↑75

beautiful words. Such a talent for reflecting and dissecting human emotions. So many lessons learnt listening to this woman's music.

@seanjenkins331

6y↑1

Aaron Di Pietro As a die hard Alanis fan I'm torn about this song. It's a gorgeously written and sung ballad. But Flavors of Entanglement and then Havoc and the Bright Lights are NOT rock albums. Alanis lost her edge, lost the band. This sounds like a Dido or Adele song. She's fucking Alanis Morissette!!!!! Her signature sound has it's own identity. She lost it in my opinion

@julianlewis1792

@Sean Jenkins I don't care if it's a rock album or not. However, I do agree that Alanis's "edgy" music (e.g. JLP's You OUght Know, Right Through You, and SFIJ's Joining you and Baba, are the sorts of songs which (again,in my view) her most valuable and distinctive creations.

@julianlewis1792

Her songs generally appeal very much to feelings, joys, fears, pain, that we all share or have. This seems to be abig part of her appeal, and of the love or adoration her fans have for her.

@xXshadowboxer

13y↑1

alanis's music is hauntingly beautiful. her lyrics make me want to cry and smile :)

@sahalwa84

13y↑2

almost all her songs have something to relate to to everyone. and this is one of them. although a very sad song, but it's brilliantly composed and sung. love her!

@sharynsmith6062

4y↑4

This may be the most beautiful I've heard Alanis' voice. So crisp and clear. ❤️

@cesarguillermobernalperalt4117

1y↑2

Her beautiful voice and that musical arrangement make this song a delight to the ear.

@sadierulestheworld

14y↑2

I love to listen to Alanis. I came across this song today. Perfect timing in my life right now. I opened my heart up for the first time in 6 years to someone. My heart has been wounded all over again. It feels like a kick to the chest.

@gregoryreed4866

27w

Hands down her best video and most underrated single

@embourgeoiseman

13y↑3

What I love about Alanis is that she's not so concerned with trying to mass producing radio hits but rather just sings what comes naturally to her; she puts so much thought and heart into this song that even though it's not her most well-known song, it still ranks as one of her best.

@baldpornstar

6y↑9

Such an underrated voice. what a talent.

@wevertonmota

8y↑8

Sai ano e entra ano, e essa música sempre mexe comigo. 😟

@dandelionwaves

13y↑1

Such precise lyrics! The video makes me think of how even if someone abandons you, you should never abandon yourself. And baby steps, of course.

@debfan74

14y↑1

yes it is ok to cry...Alanis is good at bringing out the tears...she does it to me every album so far

@G_G251

6y↑1

My favorite song of hers. So beautiful and touching.

@fozzybearer59

14y↑1

One of the most beautiful singer and songs I ever heard! Hits a bit close to home!

@ivannaidyonov718

2y↑4

A voice like a violin, fascinating and absolutely mesmerizing.

@stevearts85

4y↑11

Love this song, has haunted me through break ups & deaths. Every time I Started over again.

@tellmefast

14y↑1

This song is great because it's so universal. I'm sure everyone who listens to it has been in the same situation. I was there this year, early in the year. But, if this song teaches us anything it's to soldier on and become a better person than the person we were while with that special person in our past. And if you are lucky enough to have that person still in your life (as a friend) just appreciate them as a friends and not as a couple (Not as we). I love you Alanis.

@carlospereyra4251

5y↑1

Mas allá de su voz.es una hermosa mujer!

@user-js3zk7nh5k

21w

Alanis Morissette, pura emoção...

@rodolfotrindade4322

6y↑2

Que musica fantastica...me recordo que passava direto na mtv brasil em 2009...curto muito

@gawthami5956

4y↑2

Always loved this song a lot....she has such intensely deep voice..so unique

@klimber10001

10y↑3

After all this time this song still tares me up.. Always loved Ryan Reynolds, liked Alanis but wasn't a huge fan but this song tugs at my heart strings. Her sadness really shows here and I hope her journey to happiness was a short one.. Much respect for her... <3

@SwedishDunedain

13y↑2

I remember the night before my ninth grade graduation, i listend to this song over and over again untill i litterally fell asleep. It just felt so peaceful. This is a very nice and beautiful song. :)

@EveLabonteBChannel

13y↑2

Her song is different of the others and it's magical. ♥

@punishedexistence

13y↑1

This woman can bring a tear to a death-metaller's eye. That's true power. Although it was even more depressing on the album, this song helped me overcome a few addictive drugs I am glad to have left behind. Day one is the biggest step in any life change. Thanks Alanis!

@thinther2u

12y↑1

Brilliant, just brilliant. There's only one Alanis . . .never to be duplicated. This song is pure brilliance.

@wrdsofapoet

14y↑1

Love this one. Very artistic, love the voice patterns. She is like no one truly she is a unique artist that has found her own sound. I could watch this over and over!!!

@seanjenkins331

6y↑3

Undoubtedly a top 5 track of her's. Vocals, lyrics, everything!

@gunther4777

13y↑1

ela é linda e canta muito !!!!

@miodontouff

14y↑1

MARAVILHOSA! Sou apaixonada por seuas músicas desde 1996!!!

@garannamom

14y↑1

This is a powerful song. It means something different to everyone. It makes me think of two different close friends who recently lost their husbands to cancer and have to learn how to start their life over again. So moving... Alanis is a brilliant poet.

@alanisfan85

14y↑1

I am again reminded of the true artistry of Alanis Morissette. Again I am reminded as to why she is my favorite singer/songwriter/artist ever!! This is total perfection!!

@jacquidoucet8308

4y↑1

She just reached in and grabbed my soul. Love you Alanis!!!❤

@gohabsgo7417

8y↑110

This song reminds me this awful day when I came back from the funeral of my dear friend... She was only 29, had 2 young kids and died from breast cancer. When I came back home, I listened the Flavors of Entanglement album, and when this song came, I cried sooo much... but I still think it's a wonderful song. I dedicate it to my friend everytime I listen it. :(

@jameslong2094

7y↑4

I'm so sorry, Annie. A wonderful song to remember someone by.....

@gmualum08

🤟👍🙏

@julianlewis1792

🤗 hugs

@joshualovesisaac

14y↑1

Oh My God, why have i never heard this before? Amazing story within the song. My heart hurts after hearing her voice sing these words. Beautiful!

@teenwitchlovergirl

11y↑2

Alanis is one of those singers that stay with you throughout childhood, and just when you think you don't need to listen to her, she plucks a string at your heart. Basically she's grew up with a lot of us and continues to teach us that we're not alone and to let go of what we cannot control.

@aleistercrowley7594

45w

Dios mio que Hermosa es esta cancion una gran artista Alanis.

@RiaAmoncioCapin

her songs bring tears to my eyes. Beautiful. Emotional. Powerful.

@billytaylor1970

12y↑7

amazing vocals, poetic writing, and the scenery breathtaking

@MzShaybutta

9y↑96

I love this song, I know it's supposed to be a break up song, but it's helped with my grief after my mother passed...."Just yet I'm faking it, til I'm psuedo making it" From scratch begin again, this time I as I and not as we.. I'm crying typing this... Love this song.

@txmopar

4y↑4

MzShaybutta hugs to you..I'm so sorry for the loss of your mother. 😔

@jtarantula3390

4y↑4

My condolences

@stevegunther8613

4y↑2

That's the beauty of artists like Alanis. Her songs speak to everyone. I think it's a perfect way to honor your mother.

@samisticlife

4y↑1

Same

@CM-xo2by

It sounds more to me like a song about the birth of a child, which could be a positive note in your situation.

1 More Replies...

@megandorothy

14y

I listen to this song just about every day... every day is day 1 for me. i'm still pseudo making it, dealing with a tough break up. love how raw and vulnerable this song is.

@sbe79

10y↑1

So well written. This song deserves every bit of the success she experienced early on. Only, this song wasn't written out of angst from a failed relationship -- it was written out of facing the reality, solemnly and maturely. I as I, not as we. Great work.

@franciscoparejadiez5532

4y↑1

Hermosa canción, su voz y ella!

@dezmpo

13y↑1

she has an amazing voice she seems a very genuine person the lyrics of this song speak to my heart just wanted to say it

@deborahlee5920

1y↑6

This year has seen my life torn completely apart multiple times. This song has finally brought out the tears and pain I’ve been trying to hide or avoid.

@YaaYaa1968

14y

This song is about getting sober, something that has to be done as ONE. Not as We. It hits home and is so very true to making a sucessful recovery.

@brendafoustel5615

11y↑1

This song makes me feel peace everytime I hear it.

@marcelageiger

14y↑1

it's the first time i see the video. i think it sounds better than the album version. and she sounds even better live. "just yet i am faking it, till i'm pseudo making it"..."if god is taking bets, i pray he wants to lose". only alanis can write such amazing lyrics.

@f1134

12y↑2

I love this song!

@kimmicub17

13y↑1

This song is like the theme song of mine and my mom's lives... we always start over and this song relates sooooo much to it...

@niceguyjayson

8y↑6

Wow. Just wow! I heard this song playing in the grocery store and it struck a chord (not the happiest chord, but its real emotion). Googled lyrics and purchased on ITunes. Thanks Alanis!

@jcm374

4y↑1

One of my favorite albums of all time. ❤️💔

@reillz86

12y

Hands down one of best musicians ever

@blink4711

12y↑1

she gives me goosebumps too... She is awesome...

@banana33yyww

13y↑1

Alanis is Such an amazing person! She cares about everyone, and the planet. She also knows when she has had to much. Instead of shaving her head, or using drugs she goes through therapy. Look at her now:)

@slh2994

13y

WOW She just keeps getting better looking with age. Good Voice......understatement.

@wpbsadie

13y↑4

"If God's taking bets, I pray he wants to lose". She's always had sick lyrics and it doesn't get much sicker than that. My day 1 was the day of my divorce 5 days after my mom had died, coincidentally standing on a beach...it was beautiful, but now alone in the world, so empty and painful. Couldn't stop the tears. But that was years ago and now can't stop listening to Princes Familiar as I have a little girl on the way in January. Point being, to those who are 'here' now, it gets better for sure!

@oskargnamus7215

39w↑1

Beautiful melody <3!

@xxxxcherryred

14y

My favorite song by her. Easily. Not to mention she looks absolutely gorgeous in this video.

@leandrovictor8742

2y↑1

❤️🇧🇷✨

@JoXzor91

13y↑2

this is my "sad" emotionall song when im down and have a hard time and it actually comforts me. Thank you Alanis, I'll bet many of u feel the same thumbs up!

@kacisunset

14y

I have listened to this song probably 50 times the past 2 days, at least. It reminds me of a rough time in my life with my ex 3-5 years ago. There are recovery type terms in it. Step one, and fake it til you make it. Reminds me of the early days of discovering things aren't right with them and then you have to pick yourself up and move on. The "what IF" you build up as a WE, turn into "what IS" as me or I alone. Reality.

@JNez72

3y↑5

She had me at “reborn and shivering/spat out on new terrain” I loved this song even when I couldn’t relate to it. And now that I can...it’s as devastating as its lyrics. I do prefer the original as a piano ballad though

@Krystaliph

12y

I don't really mind the change on this song. Her voice is still amazing. Alanis, Foo Fighters, 3 Doors Down, and many more rock/alternative artists remind me of my childhood, which isn't the best one, but it is still nostalgic. And hey, I love that feeling, because it brings back memories of things, and people, that I miss. So there's my little rant. Have a nice day. Love the ones you miss </3

@Gramps1975

13y

So much better than her earlier stuff. Such a wonderful voice.

@ObiWanGinobiliTopFan

13y↑1

beautiful song, beautiful Woman, beautiful personality, beautiful message, beautiful energy, beautiful personality, beautiful vibe, beautiful essence, beautiful beautiful beautiful beautiful Thank You Alanis : )

@kimberleywatson7330

2y↑1

One of her best albums so heartbreaking so sad so honest so relatable

@naseema1982

13y

This song gives me strength to move on.... it's never been easy to start all over again, from scratch begin again... but this time i as i, and not as we

@achillestsakiridis558

8y↑27

I have heard a lot of break up songs. But if you want to spiritually stab yourself in the face, listen to this song AND Putting the Damage On by Tori Amos. Two absolute masterpieces.

@seanjenkins331

6y↑3

Achilles Tsakiridis Yesssss Tori is another underrated genius

@denisedeseve8357

4y↑3

OMG Putting the Damage on has been my go-to “in my feelings”/“feeling down” song since it came out! Both such powerful songs by two powerful and talented artists!

@manonvuil

2y↑2

Years ago, I used to listen to this song while making myself throw up because of eating disorders. Damn, I've come a long way. Proud of myself !

@alejasofih

13y

ohhhh no sabia de este tema, desde que lo conoci , encuentro que es el mejor tema que e escuchado enserio, para mi, amo este tema , muestra una sensibilidad creativa de alanis, no espectacular , que temazo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, aunque no lo haya hecho ella el tema le sale genial

@valenzuelaqueen

13y

She has a beautiful voice!!!!even if her lyrics are down and dirty they are the truth!She is awsome.

@paolinogino

13y

Wonderful song, wonderful Alanis

@Sapatonavelha

13y↑1

Emocionada...lindo demais..

@dominiquekocon638

10y↑3

Une douce et belle voix ... à écouter ...

@nataliaareli

13y

Expectacular canción, todo el transfondo de la historia es increíble, éxito Alanis!

@davidpress8195

1y↑2

I am really amazed thatI met this Woman once in my life.She was soo kind I couldn't believe it. ❤

@jcm374

Beautiful song ❤️💔💓💕

@Brandihbug

14y

I love this song and relate to the lyrics so much.Thanks to Alanis this gives me strength to go forward inspite of any losses in my life.Thank you

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