Jekyll And Hyde (feat. Souleye)
Alanis Morissette
The Duality of Human Nature in 'Jekyll And Hyde'
Alanis Morissette's song 'Jekyll And Hyde (feat. Souleye)' delves into the complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on the duality of human nature. The title itself is a direct reference to Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novella 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,' which explores the duality of good and evil within a single person. In the song, Morissette and Souleye describe a relationship where one partner exhibits unpredictable behavior, oscillating between kindness and cruelty, much like the characters Jekyll and Hyde.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of this tumultuous relationship. Morissette sings about moments of harmony and unity, likening the couple to 'peas in a pod' and 'gloves around a hand.' However, this tranquility is short-lived as the partner's darker side emerges, catching her off guard. The repeated phrase 'Here you come with the Jekyll and Hyde' underscores the cyclical nature of this behavior, highlighting the emotional whiplash experienced by the narrator.
Souleye's verse adds another layer to the narrative, expressing confusion and frustration over the partner's inconsistent behavior. He mentions a 'protocol on how you treat a friend,' suggesting that the partner's actions violate basic principles of respect and trust. The imagery of 'exploding on me like it was dynamite' and 'split personality' further emphasizes the destructive impact of this duality. Ultimately, both narrators reach a breaking point, declaring they are 'done with your Jekyll and Hyde,' signaling a desire to break free from this toxic cycle.
The song's exploration of duality, unpredictability, and emotional turmoil resonates with anyone who has experienced a relationship marked by inconsistency and emotional highs and lows. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of stability and trust in any relationship, and the emotional toll that unpredictability can take on individuals.