Red Shoes

Not too long after the album this particular song was on was released (The Real Ramona, back in '91), I had read an interview Kristin Hersh did for some music 'zine. Apparently the inspiration for writing "The Red Shoes" came about while Kris was in treatment at the time for a long-standing problem with bipolar disorder: her psychiatrist had recommended as a theraputic "homework assignment" that she sit in front of a full-length mirror once a day and simply look at herself. Kris remembered responding to his recommendation by asking him, "Will I see ghosts?" (LOL) So from this amusing recollection Kris told the magazine interviewer, I can see how the lyrics (her irritation at having to buy these shoes is so strong that it almost borders on being tortured) could be a metaphor re: Kris's glibly humorous skepticism toward her doctor's proposed "mirror therapy" exercise. Ever since reading Kris's very funny story explaining her inspiration for writing "The Red Shoes", every so often when faced with a situation or dillema I need to deal with, however inane it may be, I too will find myself using that same silly question, "Will I see ghosts?", to lighten up my mood and try not to take whatever mundane crap life throws me too seriously. (Many thanks to the cleverly funny and seriously talented songwriter/singer/Muse Kristin Hersh for making great music as well as that snappy comeback I use when life throws me a curveball once in a while!!)