Versions of Violence by Alanis Morissette Song Info
Most lyrics can be viewed as open to interpretation, but having experienced the shock of learning that someone you love is exercising control over your life may be the single most parallel moment to the emotion in this song, not to mention its lyrics. What has little been described by the psychological community and the community of victims is psychological abuse. The "sometimes subtle, sometimes clear," IMHO refers to the subtle forms of violence that go unrecognized contrasted against physical violence which often leaves physical scars, also referenced in the lyrics. This melody has a foreboding effect, which is entirely consistent with the emotional state of the victim. Self-esteem destroyed, the victim often abandons hope.