Fee Fi Fo

The Cranberries' song 'Fee Fi Fo' is a powerful and haunting exploration of the trauma and horror associated with child abuse. The lyrics are stark and direct, painting a vivid picture of the emotional and psychological damage inflicted on a young victim. The repeated phrase 'Fee fi fo' evokes a sense of foreboding and menace, reminiscent of the giant's chant in the fairy tale 'Jack and the Beanstalk,' but here it is used to underscore the predatory nature of the abuser.

The song's narrative centers on the perspective of a young girl who has been violated, grappling with the aftermath of the abuse. The lines 'She smells his body / And it makes her sick to her mind' convey the visceral and overwhelming disgust and trauma she feels. The abuser is depicted as a vile and sick individual, with the lyrics questioning how anyone could derive satisfaction from harming something 'so innocent and pure.' This stark contrast between the innocence of the child and the depravity of the abuser amplifies the song's emotional impact.

A recurring theme in the song is the question of protection and justice. The lyrics 'God protect the ones / Who help themselves in their own way' reflect a common saying, but the song poignantly asks, 'Who protects the ones who can't protect themselves?' This line highlights the vulnerability of children and the failure of societal and divine protection in such tragic circumstances. The Cranberries use this song to give a voice to the voiceless and to call attention to the need for greater awareness and action against child abuse.