05 Oh Well
Fiona Apple Lyrics
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See myself something different
Though I try to talk sense to myself
But I just won't listen
Won't you go away
Turn yourself in
You're no good at confession
Tries to teach you a lesson
What you did to me made me see myself somethin' awful
A voice once stentorian is now again meek and muffled
It took me such a long time to get back up the first time you did it
I spent all I had to get it back, and now it seems I've been outbidded
My peace and quiet was stolen from me
When I was looking with calm affection
You were searching out my imperfections
What wasted unconditional love
On somebody
Who doesn't believe in the stuff
You came upon me like a hypnic jerk
When I was just about settled
And when it counts you recoil
With a cryptic word and leave a love belittled
Oh what a cold and common low way to go
When I was feeding on the need for you to know me
Devastated at the rate you fell below me
What wasted unconditional love
On somebody
Who doesn't believe in the stuff
Oh, well
The lyrics to Fiona Apple's song "Oh Well" depict the feelings of hurt and betrayal towards someone who has done something unforgivable. The singer acknowledges the impact that the actions of this person have had on their self-perception, causing them to see themselves in a different light. Despite attempting to reason with oneself, the singer is unable to shake the feeling of disappointment and anger towards this individual.
The lyrics acknowledge the irony that while the person responsible for their pain should turn themselves in, they are unlikely to do so due to a lack of remorse or inability to confess. The hurtful actions of this person have left the singer feeling vulnerable and weak, yet there is still a hint of defiance in their words. The singer is not content to let this person continue to hurt them and is determined to speak out about the wrongs that have been done.
Overall, this song explores the complexity of human relationships and the pain that can come from being let down by someone you care for deeply. The impact that one's actions can have on another's self-worth and mental wellbeing should not be underestimated, and this song powerfully captures this truth.
Line by Line Meaning
What you did to me made me
You caused me a great deal of harm
See myself something different
I now perceive myself in a negative way
Though I try to talk sense to myself
I make an effort to rationalize and understand the situation
But I just won't listen
However, I am unable to accept the rational explanation
Won't you go away
Please leave and never come back
Turn yourself in
Take responsibility for the harm you caused
You're no good at confession
You are unable to admit your fault
Before the image that you burned me in
Before the negative impression you created of me becomes permanent
Tries to teach you a lesson
May this experience teach you a valuable lesson
What you did to me made me see myself somethin' awful
Your actions caused me to have a negative self-perception
A voice once stentorian is now again meek and muffled
I lost confidence in myself and became timid and subdued
It took me such a long time to get back up the first time you did it
It took a considerable amount of effort to recover from your previous damage
I spent all I had to get it back, and now it seems I've been outbidded
I invested all my energy to recover, but it was in vain
My peace and quiet was stolen from me
You disturbed my sense of calm and tranquility
When I was looking with calm affection
When I cared for you sincerely and without judgement
You were searching out my imperfections
You were looking for flaws in me and judging me harshly
What wasted unconditional love
The love I gave you without reservation
On somebody
Given to someone
Who doesn't believe in the stuff
Who does not value or reciprocate that love
You came upon me like a hypnic jerk
You startled and disturbed me suddenly
When I was just about settled
When I was almost content and peaceful
And when it counts you recoil
You back away when things get serious
With a cryptic word and leave a love belittled
You give vague explanations and confuse me, hurting my love for you
Oh what a cold and common low way to go
Your actions are cruel and conventional
When I was feeding on the need for you to know me
When I craved your attention and understanding
Devastated at the rate you fell below me
I am deeply upset at how poorly you have treated me
Oh, well
I must accept the situation and move forward
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Fiona Apple Maggart
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
kittieishere
I Love This Version, The Best!
Ana Djuric
besttttttttt