You Learn
Alanis Morissette Lyrics

Oh, oh, oh
The song begins with a simple interjection expressing the singer's emotions.

I, recommend getting your heart trampled on to anyone, yeah
The singer believes that experiencing heartbreak can lead to growth and recommends it to others.

I, recommend walking around naked in your living room, yeah
The singer is suggesting that people should be comfortable with themselves and not be afraid to be vulnerable.

Swallow it down (what a jagged little pill)
The phrase 'swallow it down' implies that the singer is suggesting that the listener should try to accept some painful truth, which is likened to a small, but sharp, pill.

It feels so good (swimming in your stomach)
Although it may be difficult, there may be a sense of satisfaction or relief from finally being able to confront and accept something difficult.

Wait until the dust settles
It's better to wait for the chaos to die down before trying to make sense of a situation.

You live you learn, you love you learn
Life is a continuous learning process and the experiences of living and loving contribute to that.

You cry you learn, you lose you learn
Even in the toughest of times, people can learn valuable lessons from experiencing and processing their emotions.

You bleed you learn, you scream you learn
Metaphorical bleeding and screaming represent painful moments in life that can also teach us valuable lessons.

I, recommend biting off more than you can chew to anyone
The singer believes that people should challenge themselves and take on tasks that may seem difficult, even if they might fail.

I certainly do
The singer practices what she preaches and likes to take risks herself.

I, recommend sticking your foot in your mouth at any time
The singer is suggesting that being unapologetically authentic and speaking your mind, even if it may lead to embarrassment, is better than suppressing your thoughts and feelings.

Feel free
The singer encourages the listener to embrace their imperfections and express themselves honestly.

Throw it down (the caution blocks you from the wind)
The caution is a metaphor for fear, and fear can hold you back from experiencing the fullness of life.

Hold it up (to the rays)
The sun's rays represent the energy and positivity that can come from overcoming fear and caution.

You wait and see when the smoke clears
As with the earlier line about waiting for the dust to settle, here the singer is saying that sometimes it's better to wait for clarity and understanding before taking action.

Wear it out (the way a three-year-old would do)
The singer is encouraging the listener to enjoy and appreciate life's experiences fully, like how a child would with a beloved toy.

Melt it down (you're gonna have to eventually, anyway)
Everything in life is temporary, so the singer is saying to cherish the moment while it lasts.

The fire trucks are coming up around the bend
This unexpected line implies that something exciting or dramatic is about to happen, as if the song is building up to a climax or conclusion.

You grieve you learn, you choke you learn
Not all of life's lessons are easy to process, but they still contribute to growth and learning.

You laugh you learn, you choose you learn
Enjoying the happy moments in life and making decisions for oneself are also important parts of the learning process.

You pray you learn, you ask you learn
Turning to one's faith or asking others for help are also valid ways of learning and growing.

You live you learn
The song ends where it started, with the repeated idea that life is a continuous learning process.