For Her

Fiona Apple's song 'For Her' is a raw and powerful exploration of trauma, abuse, and the struggle for self-liberation. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman trapped in a toxic relationship with a man who is both emotionally and physically abusive. The opening lines, 'Look at how feathered his cocks are / See how seamless his frocks are,' use vivid imagery to describe the man's outward appearance and charm, which starkly contrasts with his abusive behavior behind closed doors. This juxtaposition highlights the duality of his character and the facade he maintains in public.

As the song progresses, Apple delves deeper into the woman's experience, detailing the emotional toll of living with a man who 'sniffs white off a starlet's breast' and 'treats his wife like less than a guest.' These lines underscore the man's reckless and disrespectful behavior, further emphasizing the woman's suffering. The repetition of 'Like you know you should know, but you don't know' reflects the confusion and frustration of being gaslighted, a common tactic used by abusers to manipulate their victims into doubting their own reality.

The most harrowing part of the song comes towards the end, where Apple reveals the ultimate betrayal: 'You raped me in the same bed your daughter was born in.' This line is a gut-wrenching confession of sexual violence, made even more poignant by the setting in which it occurred. The repetition of 'Good morning' serves as a chilling reminder of the everyday normalcy that masks the horror of the woman's experiences. Through 'For Her,' Fiona Apple gives voice to the pain and resilience of survivors, shedding light on the often-hidden realities of abuse and the long journey towards healing and self-empowerment.