I would love to see some fan interpretations of this! This song is hypnotic. I've gone through phases verging on addiction to it. (It's been like that with a lot of early Lana for me, though.)
The verses are quite clearly about an abusive relationship in which Lana finds masochistic comfort. Because she is subservient to him in their relationship she has become dependent on him, helpless without him.
But does anyone else think that the refrain ("Who has a face like....) is meant to be from the man's point of view? He refers to himself as "Smarty" to assert that he knows best and imply that Lana is stupid, or unable to make the informed decisions "Smarty" can. Perhaps Lana is thinking of leaving the deadly relationship, but he convinces her that "Smarty" knows best - and no one else has a "face" or "voice" like Smarty does. Finally, "Smarty" deviously turns it around on Lana - "Who has a choice like Smarty does?" He implies that HE has the power to leave in the relationship, not Lana. And that is why she stays/stayed with him.
Perhaps writing this song is how she gained great enough insight into the troubled relationship to realize it was Smarty who needed HER; She did not need him. I like to think that this song has helped at least one victim in an abusive relationship.... Lana has the courage to speak the truth when it comes to controversy, and that is what it takes to save lives.
I agree, ilikeboats, it's definitely "beat me."
I would love to see some fan interpretations of this! This song is hypnotic. I've gone through phases verging on addiction to it. (It's been like that with a lot of early Lana for me, though.)
The verses are quite clearly about an abusive relationship in which Lana finds masochistic comfort. Because she is subservient to him in their relationship she has become dependent on him, helpless without him.
But does anyone else think that the refrain ("Who has a face like....) is meant to be from the man's point of view? He refers to himself as "Smarty" to assert that he knows best and imply that Lana is stupid, or unable to make the informed decisions "Smarty" can. Perhaps Lana is thinking of leaving the deadly relationship, but he convinces her that "Smarty" knows best - and no one else has a "face" or "voice" like Smarty does. Finally, "Smarty" deviously turns it around on Lana - "Who has a choice like Smarty does?" He implies that HE has the power to leave in the relationship, not Lana. And that is why she stays/stayed with him.
Perhaps writing this song is how she gained great enough insight into the troubled relationship to realize it was Smarty who needed HER; She did not need him. I like to think that this song has helped at least one victim in an abusive relationship.... Lana has the courage to speak the truth when it comes to controversy, and that is what it takes to save lives.