Human Touch
Alanis Morissette
The Quest for Authenticity in a Superficial World
In Alanis Morissette's song "Human Touch," the artist delves into the yearning for genuine human connection amidst a world saturated with superficiality and pretense. The lyrics open with a plea for sincerity and a rejection of the artificial behaviors that dominate social interactions. Morissette criticizes the shallow lifestyle of the 'Beverly Boys' and the 'New Brady Bunch,' highlighting the emptiness of living a life focused on appearances and materialism. This sets the stage for her deeper desire for authenticity and emotional intimacy.
The chorus of the song emphasizes Morissette's need for real, unfiltered human touch and love. She expresses her exhaustion with people who rely on their sex appeal and superficial charm, yearning instead for genuine affection and tenderness. This sentiment is further reinforced by her disdain for the hollow interactions and distractions that come with a life of fame and fortune. The metaphor of not being able to reach Jesus on a portable phone underscores the disconnect between true spirituality and the artificiality of Hollywood life.
Throughout the song, Morissette contrasts the superficial with the substantial, urging for a return to real, meaningful connections. She criticizes the pollution of minds by those who prioritize wealth and status over genuine human interaction. The repeated chorus and the closing lines reiterate her unwavering quest for the 'real thing,' emphasizing that there is more to her—and to all of us—than just human flesh. This powerful message resonates with anyone who has felt the emptiness of superficial relationships and longs for deeper, more authentic connections.