What has little been described by the psychological community and the community of victims is psychological abuse. The "sometimes subtle, sometimes clear," IMHO refers to the subtle forms of violence that go unrecognized contrasted against physical violence which often leaves physical scars, also referenced in the lyrics.
This melody has a foreboding effect, which is entirely consistent with the emotional state of the victim. Self-esteem destroyed, the victim often abandons hope.
Versions of Violence
Alanis Morissette Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shutting down and punishing
Running from rooms, defending
Withholding, justifying
These versions of violence
Sometimes subtle, sometimes clear
And the ones that go unnoticed
Still leave their mark once disappeared
Diagnosing, analyzing
Unsolicited advice
Explaining and controlling
Judging opining and meddling
These versions of violence
Sometimes subtle, sometimes clear
And the ones that go unnoticed
Still leave their mark once disappeared
This labeling
This pointing
This sensitive's unraveling
This sting I've been ignoring
I feel it way down, way down
These versions of violence
Sometimes subtle, sometimes clear
And the ones that go unnoticed
Still leave their mark once disappeared
These versions of violence
Sometimes subtle, sometimes clear
And the ones that go unnoticed
Still leave their mark once disappeared
In "Versions of Violence," Alanis Morissette touches on subtle and overt forms of violence that people can inflict upon each other. The song describes different actions and behaviors that can harm others, including coercion, shutting down, punishing, withholding, explaining, and judging. The song speaks to how even the subtlest forms of violence can have a lasting impact on someone that can influence their future behaviors and relationships. The refrain repeats throughout the song, emphasizing the idea that violence can take many different forms, some of which we may not even recognize until they've already caused damage.
The final verse of the song speaks to the emotional toll that violence can take on a person. The use of the words "labeling," "pointing," and "meddling" suggest that the singer has been the victim of such forms of violence, and the "sensitive's unraveling" hints that these actions have had a serious impact on the singer's mental and emotional state. The line "This sting I've been ignoring" speaks to the common experience of ignoring or downplaying the harm that others have caused us, even when it continues to bother us for years.
Overall, "Versions of Violence" is a powerful song that highlights the many different ways that people can hurt each other, even unintentionally. It encourages listeners to be more mindful of their own actions and to work towards creating healthier relationships and communities.
Line by Line Meaning
Coercing or leaving
Either forcing someone to do something against their will or abandoning them altogether
Shutting down and punishing
Refusing to communicate and inflicting harm or retribution on someone
Running from rooms, defending
Escaping from situations and protecting oneself from perceived threats
Withholding, justifying
Refusing to share information or making excuses for one's actions
These versions of violence
Behaviors or actions that harm others, ranging from obvious to subtle
Sometimes subtle, sometimes clear
The level of harm can vary and may not always be noticeable
And the ones that go unnoticed
Harmful actions that may not be immediately apparent
Still leave their mark once disappeared
The harm inflicted can last even after the behavior has stopped
Diagnosing, analyzing
Trying to find fault or problem in someone or something
Unsolicited advice
Giving advice when it was not asked for
Explaining and controlling
Being overly dominant and not allowing others to have a say or to make decisions
Judging opining and meddling
Expressing opinions, making judgments, and interfering in others' lives without invitation
This labeling
The act of defining or categorizing someone in a negative way
This pointing
Drawing attention to someone's flaws or mistakes
This sensitive's unraveling
The feeling of being overwhelmed or unraveling due to someone's actions
This sting I've been ignoring
The pain caused by someone's actions that has been disregarded until this point
I feel it way down, way down
The pain is felt deeply and has lasting effects
Lyrics © WARP MUSIC LIMITED, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Alanis Morissette, Guy Sigsworth
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@angiedarez5981
Coercing or leaving
Shutting down and punishing
Running from rooms, defending
Withholding, justifying
These versions of violence
Sometimes subtle sometimes clear
And the ones that go unnoticed
Still leave their mark once disappeared
Diagnosing, analyzing
Unsolicited advice
Explaining and controlling,
Judging opining and meddling
These versions of violence
Sometimes subtle sometimes clear
And the ones that go unnoticed
Still leave their mark once disappeared
This labeling
This pointing
this sensitive's unraveling
This sting I've been ignoring
I feel it way down way down
These versions of violence
Sometimes subtle sometimes clear
And the ones that go unnoticed
Still leave their mark once disappeared
@lynxvex
Such an amazing, underrated song
@braustin1
I love this song. The woman still rocks.
@cali4nia4me
Her lyrics reveal profound insight, truth. And this is my 1st time hearing this song. It's a keeper.
@johnclark-gasta7476
My favorite song off this album <3 I totally had this album in 2008 and played the shit out of it hahaha <3 Alanis
@eleanor4759
Brilliant woman who knows how to weild her deep sensitivity for the good. Thank U Alanis ❤❤❤❤❤
@Genomizer
I love this song!!!
@idude2004
I had no idea either.. I Love this track and wish she'd do more like this..
@gearslingger
Wow... I had n idea that Alanis could put it down like this
@angiedarez5981
Coercing or leaving
Shutting down and punishing
Running from rooms, defending
Withholding, justifying
These versions of violence
Sometimes subtle sometimes clear
And the ones that go unnoticed
Still leave their mark once disappeared
Diagnosing, analyzing
Unsolicited advice
Explaining and controlling,
Judging opining and meddling
These versions of violence
Sometimes subtle sometimes clear
And the ones that go unnoticed
Still leave their mark once disappeared
This labeling
This pointing
this sensitive's unraveling
This sting I've been ignoring
I feel it way down way down
These versions of violence
Sometimes subtle sometimes clear
And the ones that go unnoticed
Still leave their mark once disappeared
@wonder3336
Le Rag Doll thanks :)