You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette untold story and lyrics
You Oughta Know
I want you to know, that I'm happy for you
I wish nothing but the best for you both
An older version of me
Is she perverted like me?
Would she go down on you in a theatre?
Does she speak eloquently?
And would she have your baby?
I'm sure she'd make a really excellent mother
'Cause the love that you gave that we made
Wasn't able to make it enough for you to be open wide, no
And every time you speak her name
Does she know how you told me
You'd hold me until you died?
'Til you died, but you're still alive
And I'm here, to remind you
Of the mess you left when you went away
It's not fair, to deny me
Of the cross I bear that you gave to me
You, you, you oughta know
You seem very well, things look peaceful
I'm not quite as well, I thought you should know
Did you forget about me, Mr. Duplicity?
I hate to bug you in the middle of dinner
It was a slap in the face how quickly I was replaced
And are you thinking of me when you fuck her?
'Cause the love that you gave that we made
Wasn't able to make it enough for you to be open wide, no
And every time you speak her name
Does she know how you told me
You'd hold me until you died?
'Til you died, but you're still alive
And I'm here, to remind you
Of the mess you left when you went away
It's not fair, to deny me
Of the cross I bear that you gave to me
You, you, you oughta know
'Cause the joke that you laid in the bed that was me
And I'm not gonna fade, as soon as you close your eyes
And you know it
And every time I scratch my nails down someone else's back
I hope you feel it
Well, can you feel it?
Well, I'm here, to remind you
Of the mess you left when you went away
It's not fair, to deny me
Of the cross I bear that you gave to me
You, you, you oughta know
Why I'm here, to remind you
Of the mess you left when you went away
It's not fair, to deny me
Of the cross I bear that you gave to me
You, you, you oughta know
Unveiling the Untold Story Behind Alanis Morissette's Iconic Anthem
Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know" has long been shrouded in mystery and controversy, but let's dig deeper into the untold story of this iconic anthem and its impact on the music world.
The Scorned Ex-Girlfriend's Anthem
"You Oughta Know" is more than just a song; it's an angry message from a scorned ex-girlfriend directed at her former lover. While Morissette has never revealed the identity of the person it's about, the lyrics resonate with anyone who's been through a painful breakup. This track, much like Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," keeps the subject's identity hidden.
The Dave Coulier Speculation
Rumors swirled that the song might be about actor Dave Coulier, known for his role as Joey on Full House, whom Morissette briefly dated. Coulier himself claimed in a 2008 interview that the song was indeed about their rocky relationship. He recalled the moment he realized it, "I said, 'Wow, this girl is angry.' And then I said, 'Oh man, I think it's Alanis.'" However, he later suggested he admitted to being the subject just to satisfy persistent reporters.
The Origin of the Lyrics
The lyrics for this powerful song came from a journal entry written during what Morissette describes as "a very devastated time" in her life. She saw the anger in the song as a protective shield for her vulnerability during that period. It was her way of coping with the pain.
The Collaboration with Glen Ballard
Morissette's transformation from a dance-pop singer to the iconic artist we know today began when she met producer Glen Ballard in Los Angeles. Their instant rapport and songwriting chemistry birthed "You Oughta Know" in just one session. Morissette's raw vocal performance in one take added authenticity to the track.
Controversial Lyrics and Radio Airplay
The song's explicit lyrics posed challenges for radio stations, which edited or censored lines like "Would she go down on you in a theater." Morissette's courage in singing these lines was encouraged by Glen Ballard, who believed in the importance of her unfiltered expression.
Record Label Struggles
Surprisingly, Morissette didn't have a record deal when she recorded "You Oughta Know." She had a tough time finding takers for the song and her demos for the "Jagged Little Pill" album. Ultimately, she signed with Madonna's Maverick Records, leading to one of the best-selling albums of the '90s.
Awards and Collaborations
The song won Grammy awards for Best Rock Song and Best Female Rock Vocal. It propelled Morissette to stardom, making her one of the few artists to win both Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album in the same year. Notably, Dave Navarro and Flea from The Red Hot Chili Peppers played on the track.
The Impact on Morissette
Despite its immense success, Morissette expressed how performing the song was both cathartic and painful. She never censored her lyrics, even on live TV, and believed in the power of honest expression.
Continued Relevance
"You Oughta Know" has maintained its relevance, appearing in various TV shows and even in the musical adaptation of "Jagged Little Pill." Beyoncé covered the song during her 2009 tour, showcasing its enduring impact.
The Unveiling of Secrets
The song became a focal point of curiosity and speculation, with various individuals claiming to be the subject. However, Morissette maintained that the song was about her own healing process, not a means of revenge.
The Legacy of "You Oughta Know
This song was more than just a hit; it was a transformative force that catapulted Alanis Morissette to stardom and left an indelible mark on the music world. It's an anthem of raw emotion and unapologetic expression that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
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