When I first listened to Jagged Little Pill CD, I was going through a painful breakup with a boyfriend. This album seemed to capture much of the rage, hurt, and confusion that can go through a woman’s heart and mind when it seems that the world has turned upside down.
All I Really Want
Although much of her lyrics do not always make sense to me, they can relate to me on other levels that I cannot quite explain. Her thoughts are fragmented and seem to skip around at times; however, by the end of the song, absolution is there. This song is like that. It depicts an angry, confused woman struggling to find her way through confusion and disillusionment of life.
You Oughta Know
You Oughta Know is a little on the blunt side, but it is still a favorite of mine. A friend of mine said this should have been my theme when the guy I was referring to at the beginning of this review had broken up with me for a girl her had been chatting with on IRC. Alanis became an icon for the heartbroken, angry spurned women of the world.
Perfect
This song I believe was directed toward Alanis’ parents that apparently placed much pressure on her to be the very best at everything. I think Alanis is crying out to say “Hey, I’m okay the way I am” and that she may not have turned out the way her parents would have wanted, but she is determined to be an individual.
Hand In My Pocket
Alanis tries to convey her thoughts about hope for her future and trying to figure how to survive in life.
Right Through You
I believe the man that hurt Alanis terribly is mentioned in this piece. She tells of the abuse she suffered and how she was used and discarded. But the story has a good ending. She picks herself up and not only survives, she becomes a success with any help from the one that never really loved her. This is an encouraging tune to those that have been in a similar position and is trying to get back on their feet.
Forgiven
These lyrics are cloudy to me, but I think they have a lot to do with her religion and how she was raised. She appears to be trying to understand how the puzzle of life fits together.
You Learn
This is another one of my favorites of this album. It has a catchy theme and is very unique. Alanis has a special way with the lyrics and sound of this tune. It is all about learning. Learning can be a very difficult process when one cannot meet their goals.
Head Over Feet
This is a wonderful love song within a sector of venom. This is refreshing! The listener can become worn after listening to all the emotionally griping tunes thus far. This song is light in nature and portrays a woman that has fallen in love because of one that never gave up on her.
Mary Jane
Alanis sings about “Mary Jane”, a good friend that is doomed in her apparent new lifestyle.
Ironic
Ironic is another interesting song among all the other great hits of this album. The song points out different examples of life circumstances that turn out differently than expected (or as one would have hoped).
Not The Doctor
This tune is a great cut-the-umbilical-cord from the dead beat that is dragging you down song. Alanis sings about taking responsibility for her own self but that she did not want to be responsible for the one that is using her as a crutch.
Wake Up
The final tune is about someone that takes the least path of resistance through life. Alanis is singing about trying to wake that person from their spell.
Overall this is a very interesting album with a variety of musical styles and a new type of message to many women out there. Alanis related to millions of women in the audience with her heart-wrenching lyrics and down-to-earth presentation.