I think it is a portrait of growth. The first stanza describes the qualities in dad she dreams of in a man, the third stanza represents the reality of what many women accept in a man, the fifth stanza is typical of how a woman justifies this acceptance, and finally, it comes full circle, back to what is foundational and important to her. It is a strong message to Dads, that your little girl, deep down, wants a man like you... whether you are a dad who is 'strangely enigmatic' or a man who is 'addicted to some substance.' THAT is what your daughter is going to view as 'ideal' in her mind.
The unfinished last verse is Alanis genius. It's a point of realization, an epiphany, a moment of personal enlightenment. Almost as if she is surprised to find that she seeks a man just like her... father.
I think it is a portrait of growth. The first stanza describes the qualities in dad she dreams of in a man, the third stanza represents the reality of what many women accept in a man, the fifth stanza is typical of how a woman justifies this acceptance, and finally, it comes full circle, back to what is foundational and important to her. It is a strong message to Dads, that your little girl, deep down, wants a man like you... whether you are a dad who is 'strangely enigmatic' or a man who is 'addicted to some substance.' THAT is what your daughter is going to view as 'ideal' in her mind.
The unfinished last verse is Alanis genius. It's a point of realization, an epiphany, a moment of personal enlightenment. Almost as if she is surprised to find that she seeks a man just like her... father.