05 Oh Well
Fiona Apple Lyrics


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What you did to me made me
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
Before the image that you burned me in
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

Overall Meaning

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
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Comments from YouTube:

kittieishere

I Love This Version, The Best!

Ana Djuric

besttttttttt

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