Real World
Alanis Morissette Lyrics


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We play the game with determination
We don't give a dam 'bout our reputation baby
It's not a game, it's a revelation
Step inside the real world
The real world
Yeah, yeah, yeah
The real world, yeah
It's been every day now, and it just won't go away now...no
Life is so intense now, not much common sense now yeah
And late in the night I turn out my light yeah
A song in my head, and it says "step inside the real world"

We play the game with determination
We don't give a damn 'bout our reputation baby
It's not a game, it's a revelation
Just another day in the real world
Yeah, the real world

I can make decisions with no one else believin' me
I just look inside me 'cause I've got my own voice to guide me
It came in a dream, a light so extreme yeah
A voice in my head, and it says "step inside the real world"

Ya gotta step inside the real world step-in-side-the-real-world
I woke from the dream, I know what it means yeah
That voice in my head
It says "you're here inside the real world"





Step inside the real world, inside the real world
Step inside the real world

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Real World" by Alanis Morissette speak to the idea of stepping outside of oneself and entering a heightened state of consciousness. The first verse suggests that while we may be competitive and unconcerned with our social standing, life is not a game to be won, but rather an opportunity for self-discovery. The chorus insists that we must "step inside the real world" and embrace the intensity of life's experiences, even when they lack common sense or defy easy explanation.


The second verse delves into the idea of trusting oneself and following one's own inner voice, rather than relying on external validation or approval. The dream mentioned in the lyrics symbolizes a moment of clarity and connection to something greater than oneself, which provides direction and purpose in the face of life's chaos. In essence, the song is about surrendering to the unpredictability of life and trusting in one's own intuition, rather than trying to control or manipulate outcomes.


Line by Line Meaning

We play the game with determination
We approach life with a fierce drive that pushes us to succeed


We don't give a dam 'bout our reputation baby
We ignore what others think of us because we know our own worth


It's not a game, it's a revelation
Life is not just a meaningless competition, it's an opportunity for enlightenment


Step inside the real world
Embrace reality and experience life in all its beauty and rawness


The real world
The unfiltered, authentic version of life devoid of pretense and artifice


Yeah, yeah, yeah
An expression of enthusiasm and excitement for the idea of reality


It's been every day now, and it just won't go away now...no
Every day, the call of reality becomes stronger and more insistent


Life is so intense now, not much common sense now yeah
The intensity of life can be overwhelming and leads to irrational choices and actions


And late in the night I turn out my light yeah
In the quiet moments of the night, the gravity of reality becomes even more apparent


A song in my head, and it says 'step inside the real world'
The subconscious desire to live in reality is expressed through the lyrics of a song


Just another day in the real world
Each day brings new challenges and experiences when living in reality


I can make decisions with no one else believin' me
I am confident in my own judgment and do not require validation from others


I just look inside me 'cause I've got my own voice to guide me
I trust my intuition and inner wisdom to guide me through life


It came in a dream, a light so extreme yeah
A vivid dream offered a glimpse into the transformative power of reality


A voice in my head, and it says 'step inside the real world'
The same voice that appeared in the dream continues to push for a deeper experience of reality


Ya gotta step inside the real world step-in-side-the-real-world
The phrase serves as a mantra, repeated to affirm the importance of embracing reality


I woke from the dream, I know what it means yeah
The dream left a lasting impression and imbued a sense of clarity


That voice in my head
The inner voice that urges a fuller embrace of reality


It says 'you're here inside the real world'
The acknowledgement that reality is present and that it's important to engage with it fully


Step inside the real world, inside the real world
The repetition of the phrase underscores the importance of connecting with reality


Step inside the real world
Reaffirming the critical need for living in the real world and engaging with all that it encompasses




Lyrics © Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN), Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Leslie David Howe, Alanis Morissette, Serge Emile Cote

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

@popmyke97

I am referring to her struggles with body image, anorexia and bulimia back in the day.

As well as not being her true self, as she was marketed as a dance-pop teen singer, although I love this era of her career I understand her frustation for trying to fit into a mold that was not meant for her.

I can see all those things represented in the scenes where she is incarcerated, chained, distressed, furious…

Also represented in this vídeo is her then-boyfriend as a mannequin.

Around the time this song was released as a single (1993 I think) she had broken up with the same guy that inspired “You Oughtta Know” later.



All comments from YouTube:

@FransHattingh

This is the first time that I've seen this video. What an electric, eclectic mix of different scenarios! I love how Alanis was given the opportunity to unleash her formidable acting chops in this video!

@stevenmills6502

Yea, I used to listen to this song a decade ago,, and this is the first time I've seen this rn...

Even her poppy track here has a Dark, Trip element to it

@rvegas81

I agree. It’s defiantely Madonna erotica lol!

@davidpowell9218

You can definitely hear hints of what was to come in this song. It's clearly not a bubblegum pop song, but not quite "You Oughta Know" either.

@jackc6506

It’s just the typical new Jack swing early 90s pop sound

@magicslave3066

I just wish has the balls to make this a hard rock song just like she the balls to make this video dark , insane and crazy that would've been nice

@popmyke97

After knowing what she went through during this stage of her life and career, this song makes total sense, so dark and creepy...

Amazing as always and her dance-pop era is just glorious!! Wish she would re-release her first two albums one day!!!

@magicslave3066

What are you referring to

@popmyke97

I am referring to her struggles with body image, anorexia and bulimia back in the day.

As well as not being her true self, as she was marketed as a dance-pop teen singer, although I love this era of her career I understand her frustation for trying to fit into a mold that was not meant for her.

I can see all those things represented in the scenes where she is incarcerated, chained, distressed, furious…

Also represented in this vídeo is her then-boyfriend as a mannequin.

Around the time this song was released as a single (1993 I think) she had broken up with the same guy that inspired “You Oughtta Know” later.

@laurens7431

@@popmyke97 the sexual abuse from her producer..

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