12-How Could She
Type O Negative Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Wilma Flinstone, Marcia Brady,
Alice Kramden, Gladys Kravitz,
Laverne and Shirley, Jeannie,
Morticia Adams, Aunt Esther,
Sweet Polly Purebread, Natasha,
Mrs. MacGuilguddy

How could she?

Ginger, Mary Anne, Mrs. Howell,
Samantha Stevens, Lieutentant Uhura,
Judy Jetson
Olive Oyl, Ethel Mertz,
Edith Bunker, Marylin Munster,
Rhoda, Penny Robinson

How could she?

Why don't you love me anymore?

Quite upset, angry, just plain annoyed
No recourse except for celluloid
In my heart, I know you are not real
Though in my mind, suspect you can still feel

Walt Disney or Hannah-Barbera
Black or white, stunning Technicolor
Warner Brothers and the A.A.P.
I've become addicted to TV

Crissy Snow, Catwoman,
Creepela, Weezie Jefferson,
Bettie Rubble, Little Cindy Who
Penelope Pitstop, Lois Lane,
Vanna White, Wonder Woman,
Elly May, Maude, Witchiepoo

How could she?

Why don't you love me anymore?

How could you?







Why don't you love me anymore?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Type O Negative's song "How Could She?" seem to be a list of female characters from popular culture, including TV shows and movies. The song is written in a tone of frustration, as the singer seems to be upset that these characters he admires do not reciprocate his love. The repeated question of "How could she?" suggests that the singer is confused as to why these fictional characters would not love him back.


The lyrics are also infused with a sense of irony, as the list of characters includes both the idealized "good girls" (such as Wilma Flinstone and Mary Anne) and the more complex and provocative characters (such as Catwoman and Morticia Adams). The singer seems to be saying that he loves all of these characters equally, despite their differences in personality and morality.


The second half of the song takes a more introspective turn, as the singer acknowledges the fantasy world he has constructed around these characters. He admits that they are not real and that his love for them is based on a kind of addiction to television and movies. The final line, "How could you?" suggests that the singer is asking himself why he has become so fixated on these fictional women.


Overall, the lyrics to "How Could She?" are a commentary on the ways in which popular media shapes our perceptions of gender and relationships. The song is both a celebration and a critique of the role that these characters play in our lives.


Line by Line Meaning

Wilma Flinstone, Marcia Brady, Alice Kramden, Gladys Kravitz, Laverne and Shirley, Jeannie, Morticia Adams, Aunt Esther, Sweet Polly Purebread, Natasha, Mrs. MacGuilguddy
Listing a series of TV characters, realising they're not real but still expecting love from them.


How could she?
Wondering why these fictional characters don't love him anymore.


Ginger, Mary Anne, Mrs. Howell, Samantha Stevens, Lieutentant Uhura, Judy Jetson Olive Oyl, Ethel Mertz, Edith Bunker, Marylin Munster, Rhoda, Penny Robinson
Listing more TV characters as examples of those from whom the singer expects love.


How could she?
Repeating the question in exasperation.


Why don't you love me anymore?
Repeating the central question of the song, wondering why love is withdrawn from the singer.


Quite upset, angry, just plain annoyed No recourse except for celluloid In my heart, I know you are not real Though in my mind, suspect you can still feel
Feeling upset and angry at the disconnect between TV and real life, but still clinging to the notion of a connection.


Walt Disney or Hannah-Barbera Black or white, stunning Technicolor Warner Brothers and the A.A.P. I've become addicted to TV
Extending the metaphor of the love of TV, comparing it to addiction.


Crissy Snow, Catwoman, Creepela, Weezie Jefferson, Bettie Rubble, Little Cindy Who Penelope Pitstop, Lois Lane, Vanna White, Wonder Woman, Elly May, Maude, Witchiepoo
Listing more TV characters, including male TV-presenters, and comparing them to the love of the singers life.


How could she? Why don't you love me anymore? How could you?
Repeating the same lines several times, exasperated at the loss of love and a connection between TV and reality.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: PETER THOMAS STEELE

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

Ivan

Wilma Flintstone, Marcia Brady,

Alice Kramden, Gladys Kravitz,
Laverne and Shirley, Jeannie
Morticia Adams, Aunt Esther,
Sweet Polly Purebread, Natasha,
Mrs. MacGillicuddy

How could she?

Ginger, Mary Anne, Mrs. Howell,
Samantha Stevens, Lieutentant Uhura,
Judy Jetson
Olive Oyl, Ethel Mertz,
Edith Bunker, Marilyn Munster,
Rhoda, Penny Robinson

How could she?

Why don't you love me anymore?

Quite upset, angry, just plain annoyed
No recourse except for celluloid
In my heart, I know you are not real
Though in mind, suspect you still can feel

Walt Disney or Hanna-Barbera
Black or white, stunning Technicolor
Warner Brothers and the A.A.P.
I've become addicted to TV

Crissy Snow, Catwoman,
Creepela, Weezie Jefferson,
Betty Rubble, Little Cindy Who
Penelope Pitstop, Lois Lane,
Vanna White, Wonder Woman,
Elly May, Maude, Witchiepoo

How could she?

Why don't you love me anymore?

How could you?



Luka Kobaladze

Wilma Flintstone, Marcia Brady,

Alice Kramden, Gladys Kravitz,
Laverne and Shirley, Jeannie
Morticia Adams, Aunt Esther,
Sweet Polly Purebread, Natasha,
Mrs. MacGillicuddy

How could she?

Ginger, Mary Anne, Mrs. Howell,
Samantha Stevens, Lieutentant Uhura,
Judy Jetson
Olive Oyl, Ethel Mertz,
Edith Bunker, Marilyn Munster,
Rhoda, Penny Robinson

How could she?

Why don't you love me anymore?

Quite upset, angry, just plain annoyed
No recourse except for celluloid
In my heart, I know you are not real
Though in mind, suspect you still can feel

Walt Disney or Hanna-Barbera
Black or white, stunning Technicolor
Warner Brothers and the A.A.P.
I've become addicted to TV

Crissy Snow, Catwoman,
Creepela, Weezie Jefferson,
Betty Rubble, Little Cindy Who
Penelope Pitstop, Lois Lane,
Vanna White, Wonder Woman,
Elly May, Maude, Witchiepoo

How could she?

Why don't you love me anymore?

How could you?



All comments from YouTube:

righteousrat

I have so so so many fond memories of my teenage years listening to Type O. I was a loser in school who had very little friends. Type O Negative really was like a friend during that time.

3cs3hs

yeah man, i'm 40 now, and haven't listened to them since world coming down 20 years ago. Just discovering their last 2 albums now, very impressive.

Raddle Starwyvern

Im way late on this comment but I'm right there with you I was a loser in school too. only a few friends my self. One of the "freaks" they said. I listened to bloody kisses over and over. Graduated to Pantera and drinking 40"s of olde E and colt 45 behind a shopping center at 2 in the morning. Some of my best memories were of that sitting in an alley getting hammered by my self.

dirtyoliver

incredible vocal melodies and highly underrated. you can really hear the beatles influence with the vocals imo

Eddie Kingham

Better than that. Dig those lyrics. Very clever writing

Darth Graggus

Especially at 6:17. REALLY intense.

Henny’s Graveyard

this is such a beautiful album

Kelly Kelso

My favorite after Rust, but every album has its own beautiful melancholy.

Baby hand Grenade

The harmonies and keyboards on this are excellent

Bradford Thornton

Excellent composition! Feels like I'm listening to an amalgamation of rock and classical.

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