Vow

Butch said it was inspired by an article about "a sado-masochistic couple who couldn't stay away from each other."

I don't think this is a song about revenge...at least not in the context you all are saying. The opening line of the song says it all, "I Can't Use What I can't Abuse..." If anything she seems to be the coldhearted one in this story. It sounds like she's a woman that goes from one meaningless shag to another until she finds this person who has completely swept her off her feet...in a GOOD way. I think she's using strong references to herself as being "burned" and "crucified" because of her self destructive behavior. "I nearly died..." refers to something so wonderful and NEW that she couldn't accept it. Love in HER world is viewed as something evil hence using such negative language to describe her situation. She's usually in control but this person has sunk beneath her skin. She HATES it! So...like any self destructive person she's going to do everything she can to destroy what could be the best thing to happen in her life. Or at least thats what she hopes to accomplish to avoid any sort of submission on her part to be involved in a loving relationship. Anyways, thats how the song comes to me.

In my opinion this song is about a love/hate relationship and both having that mutual feeling, of love/hate yet they can't live without one another and treat each other badly. Love is like a drug, you feel like you are near death without it and abuse it when you do have it. Shirley's voice provokes an orgasm like feeling in my ears. Garbage rocks!

You know, it's weird, to me the lyrics say one thing, but the music says totally another. True, the lyrics are about revenge on someone--but the music has sort of a happy twist. the beginning is still that revengeful, evil person, but by the time you get to the first "I nearly died", it's almost as if her opinion about this individual has completely flipped. And in the chorus, the words are "I /came/" being past-tense. I /was/ going to get revenge on you, but I changed my mind. and in the instrumental part, it's their whole making up passionately time. just my opinion ;]

I think it's more about lovers, but I'de love to sing this song to some people. The beginning is just great. And of course, here comes Shirley Manson with her wonderful vocals.

hmmm that "I nearly died" bit was reminiscent of No Reply by the Beatles...I've noticed that Garbage likes to borrow lines from lots of old classic rock songs, but then again maybe its all a coincidence :/

it's about revenge on an ex-lover.....yeah, i totally get that....all the horrible things you'd like to do to them when they treat you like crap and then dump you....

Its ALL about the revenge. Ex lovers, jilted lovers, people who generally treated you like dirt. I totally see that.

Awesome track - twisted and about revenge on ppl who have treated u badly.

omfg the guitars in this are awesome. Its about revenge not drug addiction elbay, butch even said so himself. I love the way Shirle says "Like Joan of Arc coming back for more"