That I would be good even if I did nothing
That I would be good even if I got the thumbs down
That I would be good if I got and stayed sick
That I would be good even if I gained ten pounds

That I would be fine even if I went bankrupt
That I would be good if I lost my hair and my youth
That I would be great if I was no longer queen
That I would be grand if I was not all knowing

That I would be loved even when I numb myself
That I would be good even when I am overwhelmed
That I would be loved even when I was fuming
That I would be good even if I was clingy

That I would be good even if I lost sanity
That I would be good
Whether with or without you



Lyrics submitted by aur0ra, edited by Regicake

Track duration: 04:17

"That I Would Be Good" as written by Alanis Nadine Morissette, Glen Ballard

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

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That I Would Be Good song meanings
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42 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:This may seem a bit random but I think this song is about parents, because parents tell there kids that there always good no matter what and they'll always love them (even if they go and have there own life.)
    Flag Regicakeon January 29, 2013   Link
  • 0
    My Opinion:I always thought this was supposed to be an uplifting song (well, as uplifting as an Alanis song can be lol). To me, it's as if she's saying, "I think I'll be okay no matter what." But I agree with some here, that the last line is unexpected, and it makes me question my interpretation. It almost makes me think that, instead of her thinking or believing she'll be okay, really she's merely hoping she will. Or that she used to believe it, but because of a recent heartbreak, she no longer does. I don't know, but I love this song.
    Flag alisongson November 29, 2012   Link
  • +1
    My Opinion:It makes me sad that so many people think that this song expresses a desire to be loved by others. I love this song because I feel it's a declaration one's intrinsic value and of unconditional love for oneself, even in the most trying of circumstances, and independent of anyone else. Sure, we all wish for someone else to love us if we're sick, fat, lose our hair, go insane, etc; How much harder is it for us to love and accept ourselves when we are not everything we'd like to be? During those most difficult times when we feel least worthy of love? Even when the person we love, trust, and/or depend on most doesn't, we have to know our own value and love and accept ourselves unconditionally.
    Flag rocknrollinmysoulon June 26, 2012   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I should add...the other key unsaid part is..."but I'm NOT"
    I am NOT loved when I am fuming, or when I numb myself...
    to others/myself I am not good when I gain ten pounds, when I am sick, when I lose my sanity.

    And that, to me is what is so sad about the song...that she feels unloved and not good enough and not accepted or appreciated.
    Flagged sakurablossomon July 07, 2011   Link
  • +3
    My Interpretation:"That I would be good" is an incomplete sentence. To me, the key missing words here are "I wish"...
    I *wish* that I would be good.
    To me the song is not optimistic at all, it is about having painfully low self-esteem.
    If only I could be good, if only I could be loved and accepted despite these flaws I cannot overcome.
    I wish "that I would be loved, even when"......
    It seems to me that the first verse is aimed at her parents/mother, addressing their/her high expectations of her.
    The second verse seems addressed to the public, from the point of view of being famous.
    The third and fourth perhaps to a combination of people: family, friends, public, her lover, and also to herself.

    I feel she has probably suffered abuse in her life, and an eating disorder, but I don't know that...just speculation, from listening to her songs.

    This song really resonates with me, it touches a nerve. This is the only song I know that makes me break down in tears every time that I hear it.
    Flagged sakurablossomon July 07, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I think this song is expressing what she wants in a prospective partner. Just that she would always be "good" even when she has problems and weaknesses, and that she can rely on that person truly.
    Flag larokon April 14, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I read on Wikipedia that it relates to her feelings about being judged, doubting herself, and insecurity. I think that sums it up in regards to the meaning.
    Flag Ex0duson March 24, 2011   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I always thought it was about a girl who lost someone she loved... and the person made her so confident and strong that now, even though they're not physically together anymore (whether with or without you), she's still strong 'cause he made her strong... :)
    Flag babyfabyon September 02, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I do sort of feel like a lot of people seem to have missed the point here.

    The key line here is "That I would be good whether with or without you" - it's totally not what you expect the last line to be.
    Flag Kustard1337on June 28, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Take heart all:

    You are still good, and great, and loved through all things. You were made in the image of the creator and although we all have offended that creator and we all screw up, he is still ready to forgive us and say "You are good, even though you have done nothing, even though you got a thumbs-down, even though..."

    You are not good at all...neither am I. But God is good and because of the cross he is ready to forgive everything and see us as good. Amazing.
    Flag TurnsandLeapson August 05, 2009   Link

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