All I Really Want

Alanis Morissette's 'All I Really Want' is a song that encapsulates the artist's yearning for understanding, peace, and a kindred spirit amidst the chaos of life. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and frustration, as Morissette expresses her desires and the internal conflicts that come with them. The song opens with a sense of self-awareness and a questioning of the impact she has on others, suggesting a deeper search for self-acceptance and patience.

The chorus of the song is a powerful plea for various forms of deliverance - from the 'angry voice' within, the search for a soulmate, to a broader desire for peace and justice. Morissette's references to Estella from Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations' and the 'spiritual man' indicate a struggle between the coldness of isolation and the aspiration for spiritual connection and humility. The song's bridge shifts the focus from the personal to the external, inviting the listener to consider their own life's complexities and the noise that surrounds them.

Throughout the song, Morissette touches on themes of introspection, the human condition, and the universal search for meaning and connection. The repeated requests for 'patience,' 'deliverance,' and 'justice' reflect a common human desire to find balance and harmony in a world that often feels disjointed and overwhelming. The song's raw emotion and candid lyrics resonate with listeners who have experienced similar feelings of longing and the need for a deeper connection with others and the world around them.