Get Back
Veruca Salt
The Elusive Nature of Control and Desire in 'Get Back' by Veruca Salt
Veruca Salt's song 'Get Back' delves into the themes of control, desire, and the often frustrating nature of trying to regain something once lost. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who feels out of control, symbolized by the metaphor of a car spinning out. This imagery suggests a sense of chaos and helplessness, where the protagonist is unable to steer their life in the direction they want. The line 'It doesn't matter who you think you might be you are' hints at an identity crisis or a struggle with self-perception, emphasizing that external perceptions do not change the internal turmoil one might feel.
The recurring theme of losing something and the futility of trying to get it back is central to the song. The lyrics 'I misplace it and I don't know where it's at, And I could find it but I'd never get it back' suggest a sense of irretrievable loss. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for lost opportunities, relationships, or even a sense of self. The repeated refrain 'Don't get it back, The more you want it, the less you're gonna get back' underscores the paradoxical nature of desire—how the more one yearns for something, the more elusive it becomes.
The song also touches on the idea of waiting for the right moment, as seen in the lines 'I thought I'd wait till I saw the penny drop. It started raining, pennies falling in my lap.' This could symbolize the anticipation of a breakthrough or a moment of clarity that never quite arrives. The imagery of pennies falling but never being able to get them back further emphasizes the theme of fleeting opportunities and the frustration of unfulfilled desires. Veruca Salt's raw and emotive delivery adds depth to these themes, making 'Get Back' a poignant exploration of the human condition.