My first option I’m considering for the podcast is “Hands Clean” by Alanis Morissete from her album Under Rug Swept. This song addresses a past relationship between her and an older man. This song intrigues me because the narration in the lyrics change throughout the song. She addresses the situation through his point of view in the verses, while the chorus expresses her own feelings. She also focuses on the silence in the aftermath of her forbidden relationship, which is a traumatizing aspect of this situation on its own. Alanis confronts the complicated dynamic of this affair. This song is also representative of her soft rock acoustic style that she is known for. Part of my research will include searching for other music that discusses this taboo topic. From my musical knowledge, I am under the impression that the discussion of sexual or relational abuse is not particularly common, at least so explicited stated in “Hands Clean.” This song holds significance because I admire her sincerity. The story that she tells throughout the song elicit gut wrenching feelings. It would take courage to speak out about her experience to another person, so her release of this song shows admirable strength. Furthermore, I will explore the impact that the publication of this song has had on survivors and the conversation around this issue. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dH289KxkGw
My second option is A Living Human Girl by The Regrettes from their album Feel Your Feelings Fool! In this song, the band unapologetically owns their female humanness. The lyrics explore traits that society would deem ugly, especially from a woman, while also proclaiming self-love and confidence. This song protests society’s double standards when it comes to gender. Although The Regrettes are a punk band, this song genre-bends a bit, implementing a doo-wop vocal element in the first verse, then eventually executing a reverbed guitar tune. The Regrettes can also be described as “Riot Grrl,” or feminist punk, so this song is also representative of that genre. Though this is more recent “Riot Grrl,” I am interested in researching the roots as well. This song is personally significant to me because it’s empowering; it offers a different message than the ones women are so used to receiving from society. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kttX5GTyJYc
Isabel Vieyra
September 17, 2022 at 7:37 am
Isabel,
These are two interesting choices, and to be honest, I’m surprised no one has ever proposed anything by Alanis Morissete. Perhaps that’s because Jagged Little Pill came out in 1995.
However, if you would be interested, Jagged Little Pill was reissued in 2015 as part of a Limited Edition, Remastered Box Set and as a result could count as falling within the date guidelines of the assignment. I’d be okay with you choosing a song from that album if you’d like, especially because I think it takes on even more immediacy today with the fall of Roe, the rise of state-level abortion issues, and what are certainly going to be attempts to prohibit the sale of birth control — that is, jagged little pills. So, if you wanted to go that route, I’m all for it.
If not, of these two, I’d choose “A Living Human Girl” by The Regrettes.
Please reply to this post by 11:00pm Saturday and let me know your thoughts.
Bill
September 17, 2022 at 11:57 pm
Hi Dr. Wolff,
I think I’m gonna go with “A Living Human Girl.” However, there’s so many songs I could choose from off of Jagged Little Pill!