Moaning Lisa Smile

Wolf Alice's song 'Moaning Lisa Smile' delves into the complex emotions of a young woman struggling to find her place in the world. The title itself is a nod to the famous painting 'Mona Lisa,' known for its enigmatic smile, suggesting a facade that hides deeper emotions. The protagonist of the song is caught in a cycle of overachievement and emotional turmoil, seeking an escape from her oppressive family environment. The lyrics 'She needs a lover to escape her father and mother' highlight her desperation for a way out, while 'She's overachieving, chasing her dreams' indicates her relentless pursuit of success as a means of coping.

The chorus, 'Scrap the blues, if the blues don't work / Flash your teeth though the inside hurts,' reveals a coping mechanism that many can relate to: putting on a brave face despite inner pain. This facade is a common theme in modern society, where people often hide their true feelings to appear strong or successful. The line 'To make you feel better just make others feel worse' suggests a darker side to this coping strategy, where the protagonist might resort to hurting others to alleviate her own suffering.

The repeated phrase 'It never is enough' underscores the futility of these efforts. No matter how much she achieves or how well she hides her pain, it never brings her the peace she seeks. This sense of perpetual dissatisfaction and emotional chaos is 'out of control,' as the song repeatedly emphasizes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young woman trapped in her own mind, struggling to break free from societal and familial expectations while grappling with her own identity and emotions.