Of Course

Jane's Addiction's song "Of Course" delves into the harsh realities of life and nature, using vivid imagery and personal anecdotes to convey its message. The opening lines, "Of course this land is dangerous! All of the animals are capably murderous," set the tone for a reflection on the inherent dangers and survival instincts present in the natural world. This metaphor extends to human behavior, suggesting that people, much like animals, must navigate a world where survival often means outmaneuvering others.

The song takes a personal turn as the narrator recalls a childhood memory involving his older brother. The brother's act of making the narrator slap his own face is a powerful metaphor for the painful lessons we learn from those we look up to. The narrator's realization, "Now I know what it was! Now I know what he meant! Now I know how it is!" signifies a moment of clarity about the brutal truths of life. This experience taught him that survival often involves difficult, sometimes self-inflicted, pain.

The recurring line, "Slapping yourself in the face," serves as a poignant reminder of the self-inflicted nature of many of life's hardships. It suggests that understanding and accepting these harsh realities is a part of growing up and learning to navigate the world. The song's raw and unfiltered lyrics, combined with its intense delivery, encapsulate the band's alternative rock ethos, characterized by a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths head-on.