She Walks On Me

Hole's song 'She Walks On Me' delves into themes of identity, self-worth, and the struggle for individuality in a world that often imposes rigid standards. The opening lines, 'Geeks do not have pedigrees / Or perfect punk-rock resumes / Or anorexic magazines,' set the stage for a critique of societal expectations and the pressure to conform. The mention of 'anorexic magazines' highlights the unrealistic beauty standards that particularly affect women, while 'perfect punk-rock resumes' suggests a critique of the music scene's own set of expectations and gatekeeping.

The recurring line 'She walks over me' serves as a powerful metaphor for feeling overshadowed or dominated by another person or societal norms. This sense of being trampled upon is further emphasized in the lines 'Hold you close like we both died / My ever present suicide,' which evoke a feeling of suffocation and loss of self. The use of violent imagery, such as 'tear my heart out,' underscores the emotional pain and turmoil experienced by the narrator.

The song also explores themes of duality and sameness, as seen in the lines 'We look the same / We talk the same / We are the same.' This could be interpreted as a commentary on how societal pressures can strip individuals of their uniqueness, forcing them into a homogenized mold. The repeated phrases 'I shut my mouth with you for a rag / I use the rest of you for a gag' suggest a stifling of one's voice and identity, further reinforcing the theme of suppression.

In the final verses, the song reflects on the inevitability of change and the unpredictability of life with lines like 'You never know what you will get / You never know what you'll forget.' This adds a layer of existential contemplation, suggesting that despite the struggle for identity, life remains uncertain and ever-changing.