Awful

Hole's song 'Awful' is a raw and unfiltered commentary on the disillusionment and exploitation that often accompany fame and youth. The lyrics, penned by Courtney Love, delve into the darker aspects of the music industry and societal expectations, particularly for young women. The repeated phrase 'swing low, sweet cherry' juxtaposes the traditional African American spiritual 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot' with the harsh realities described in the song, creating a stark contrast that underscores the song's themes of lost innocence and corrupted beauty.

The song paints a vivid picture of a world where youthful rebellion and punk ideals are commodified and sold back to the very people who created them. Lines like 'They know how to break all the girls like you' and 'They rob the souls of the girls like you' highlight the predatory nature of the industry, which exploits young women for profit. The reference to 'royalty rate' and 'incorporate little girls' further emphasizes the commercialization and objectification of female youth, turning their rebellion into a marketable product.

The chorus, with its call to 'start a fire' and 'start a riot,' reflects a desire to reclaim agency and authenticity in a world that feels increasingly artificial and oppressive. The song's protagonist grapples with feelings of being 'lost' and 'stupid,' a stark contrast to the idealized image of punk rebellion. The closing lines, 'If the world is so wrong, you can break them all with one song,' offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that music still holds the power to challenge and change the status quo, even in a world that seems overwhelmingly 'awful.'