What If

Emilie Autumn's song 'What If' delves into the complexities of self-identity and the struggle to be understood by others. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of someone who feels misunderstood and constrained by the perceptions of those around them. The opening lines set the stage with a stark contrast between the narrator and the person they are addressing, highlighting a fundamental disconnect. The narrator prefers the floor, a symbol of humility and groundedness, while the other person sits on a high-backed chair, representing arrogance or a sense of superiority.

The recurring question 'What if' serves as a powerful rhetorical device, challenging the listener to consider the multifaceted nature of the narrator's identity. The metaphors used—such as a 'snowstorm burning,' 'world unturning,' and 'ocean, far too shallow, much too deep'—illustrate the paradoxes and contradictions that make up the narrator's sense of self. These images evoke a sense of inner turmoil and complexity, suggesting that the narrator cannot be easily categorized or understood.

The song also touches on themes of liberation and self-acceptance. The narrator expresses a desire to break free from the constraints imposed by others' expectations, symbolized by the 'fraying rope' around their hands. The repeated assertion that the other person 'will never know' them underscores a sense of isolation but also a defiant embrace of their true self, no matter how contradictory or enigmatic it may be. Emilie Autumn's unique blend of classical and industrial music styles adds an additional layer of depth to the song, enhancing its emotional and thematic resonance.