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Madness Lyrics

I've been most unwilling
To see this turmoil of mine
The thought of sitting with this
Has me paralyzed
With this prolonged exposure
To mirror and averted eyes (?)
I feigned that I've been waiting
Such mileage for empathizing

Now I see the madness in me
Is brought out in the presence of you
Now I know the madness lives on when you're not in the room
Though I'd love you to blame you for all
I'd miss these moments of opportune
You've simply brought this madness to light
And I should thank you

Oh, thank you
Much thanks for this bird's eye view
Oh, thank you
For your most generous triggers

It's been all too easy to cross my arms and roll my eyes
The thought of dropping all arms leaves me terrified

Now I see the madness in me
Is brought out in the presence of you
Now I know the madness lives on when you're not in the room
Though I'd love you to blame you for all
I'd miss these moments of opportune
You've simply brought this madness to light
And I should thank you

Oh, thank you
Much thanks for this bird's eye view
Oh, thank you
For your most generous triggers

I'd have to give up knowing and give up being right
You inadvertent hero, you angel in disguise

Now I see the madness in me
Is brought out in the presence of you
Now I know the madness lives on when you're not in the room
Though I'd love you to blame you for all
I'd miss these moments of opportune
You've simply brought this madness to light
And I should thank you

Oh, thank you
Much thanks for this bird's eye view
Oh, thank you
For your most generous triggers
Song Info
Submitted by
jordaaan On May 26, 2008
6 Meanings

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Cover art for Madness lyrics by Alanis Morissette

my fav song off the new album

Cover art for Madness lyrics by Alanis Morissette

It's so beautiful.. I was sitting with my boyfriend the other day and we were talking about my future. I have no clue whatsoever as to what I want to do with my life, and he was telling me quite roughly that I need to step up and take some responsibility for myself. I was pissed and I really didn't think he understood me and my problems. But this song really made me realize that it's madness how I'm not even thinking about what the future should bring... and that what he's saying is right. So, thank you for telling me, love. :)

Cover art for Madness lyrics by Alanis Morissette

I adore this song. Such a contrast compared to the rest of the songs on the album. This is Alanis realizing that her uncontrollable emotions can now be controlled because she understands where they come from and what can trigger them. It's like coming face to face with an addiction- you cant change without acknowledging your problem and finding the root cause. Alanis thought the madness was because of him, that it was something he would do or say to bring it on. But has come face to face with the reality that it was in her all along. So she thanks him for revealing the triggers and thus allowing her to manage her madness.

Cover art for Madness lyrics by Alanis Morissette

After hearing it for the 5667787th time today, I just wanted to add that she has learned more about herself now that he's gone and she thanks him for opening up her eyes and exposing her to herself.

Cover art for Madness lyrics by Alanis Morissette

I always saw the chorus as a sarcastic "fuck you" to the boyfriend that makes her act this way. I never thought she was actually saying thank you.

Not sarcastic at all. It's all about calling herself on her shit instead of pointing the finger and getting to the root of her suffering in relationships. I think it has a lot to do with some sort of emotional manipulation that she does that she hadn't even noticed until that man rubbed it on her face and made her see how she fools herself and tricks herself and tries to trick her partner too.

@aemitt her thanks are quite honest, actually. She is truly saying how grateful she is for being able to see where this madness comes from, thanks to them, who she used to blame for her own problems.

Cover art for Madness lyrics by Alanis Morissette

I've just realised this is completely about a situation I'm in with my current partner. I'm always blaming him for making me feel controlling and manipulative, believing he's the cause of my jealousy when it actually comes from myself. I'd be the same with any other partner, it's not about him. What he does is to bring this madness to light. He gives me the most generous triggers, for with this I have now an opportunity to face my flaws and admit that I have to work my problems (the thought of dropping all arms leaves me terrified). Those feelings leave me with physical pain. I couldn't see how much they affect me... If it weren't for him, I would still be blaming someone else, so I should thank him.

My Interpretation
 
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