I think the meaning of this song is pretty obvious. But what I love about it is how Art Alexakis invokes a perfect mixture of anger and sadness/regret. Growing up, I was always a daddy's girl so when he moved out and his drinking spiraled out of control it completely broke my heart. The first couple of lines just scream "IT DIDNT HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS!" Since those days, my father has actually tried be back in my life, but like Alexakis, I've given up trying to understand him and at the end of the day the only thing I truly want from my father is for him to fully comprehend how much lasting pain he caused and why I can't have a normal, trusting relationship with him. Thus, it really strikes me everytime Alexakis sings "I was 10 years old, doing all that I could" and "I will never be safe, I will never be sane" because you can hear in his voice that he's not just angry- there is so much pent up pain and sadness and uncontrollable emotion in a situation like this that is simply easier to release as anger. This song has really helped me sort out and understand my conflicting emotions...so thanks Everclear!
I think the meaning of this song is pretty obvious. But what I love about it is how Art Alexakis invokes a perfect mixture of anger and sadness/regret. Growing up, I was always a daddy's girl so when he moved out and his drinking spiraled out of control it completely broke my heart. The first couple of lines just scream "IT DIDNT HAVE TO BE LIKE THIS!" Since those days, my father has actually tried be back in my life, but like Alexakis, I've given up trying to understand him and at the end of the day the only thing I truly want from my father is for him to fully comprehend how much lasting pain he caused and why I can't have a normal, trusting relationship with him. Thus, it really strikes me everytime Alexakis sings "I was 10 years old, doing all that I could" and "I will never be safe, I will never be sane" because you can hear in his voice that he's not just angry- there is so much pent up pain and sadness and uncontrollable emotion in a situation like this that is simply easier to release as anger. This song has really helped me sort out and understand my conflicting emotions...so thanks Everclear!