Werewolf

Fiona Apple's song 'Werewolf' delves into the intricate dynamics of a tumultuous relationship, using vivid metaphors to explore themes of love, betrayal, and self-awareness. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that is both magnetic and destructive, likening the partner to a werewolf and a shark, creatures that are dangerous and predatory. Apple acknowledges her own role in the relationship's downfall, admitting that she 'provided a full moon' and 'was waving around a bleeding open wound,' suggesting that she was complicit in the chaos that ensued.

The song's chorus reflects on the initial allure and subsequent disillusionment of the relationship. Apple describes the couple as 'a wishing well and a bolt of electricity,' highlighting the initial excitement and potential for magic, but also the inevitable clash of their intense energies. Despite the pain and conflict, she suggests that they can still support each other by keeping their distance, encapsulated in the line, 'All we gotta do is avoid each other.' This pragmatic approach to a failed relationship is further emphasized by the repeated refrain, 'Nothing wrong when a song ends in the minor key,' implying that not all endings need to be happy to be meaningful or valid.

Apple's use of metaphors extends to comparing the relationship to natural and chemical phenomena, such as a volcano and chemical reactions. These comparisons underscore the inevitability and intensity of their connection, as well as the transformative impact they had on each other. The line 'I know the fiction of the fix' reveals a sense of self-awareness and acceptance of the relationship's impermanence. Through 'Werewolf,' Fiona Apple masterfully captures the complexity of human emotions and relationships, blending poetic imagery with raw honesty.