Head Over Feet
Alanis Morissette
Embracing Vulnerability in Love: Alanis Morissette's 'Head Over Feet'
Alanis Morissette's 'Head Over Feet' is a heartfelt expression of falling in love and the vulnerability that comes with it. The song, from her 1995 album 'Jagged Little Pill,' showcases a softer side of Morissette, known for her raw and emotional songwriting. The lyrics describe the experience of being won over by someone's love, even when it's unexpected and despite any initial resistance.
The song's narrator acknowledges the care and attention given by their partner, which is something they are not accustomed to. This treatment leads to a deep affection that seems to take the narrator by surprise. The repeated lines 'You've already won me over in spite of me' and 'I couldn't help it, it's all your fault' suggest a surrender to these feelings, attributing the cause of this emotional shift to the partner's actions and presence. The phrase 'head over feet,' a play on the common expression 'head over heels,' implies a more grounded and stable form of falling in love, one that is perhaps more thoughtful and sincere.
Morissette also touches on themes of friendship and trust within a romantic relationship. The partner is described as the 'best listener' and 'best friend with benefits,' indicating a relationship built on a strong foundation of mutual respect and companionship. The song ultimately celebrates a mature, healthy love that is both rational and emotionally fulfilling, marking a significant realization for the narrator about what they desire in a relationship.