The Art of Alanis Morrisette

Like anyone would be
I am flattered by your fascination with me
Like any hot-blooded woman
I have simply wanted an object to crave
But you, you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

Must be strangely exciting
To watch the stoic squirm
Must be somewhat heartening
To watch shepherd need shepherd
But you you're not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

Like any uncharted territory
I must seem greatly intriguing
You speak of my love like
You have experienced love like mine before
But this is not allowed
You're uninvited
An unfortunate slight

I don't think you unworthy
I need a moment to deliberate

Reference: Uninvited, by Alanis Morrisette.

Musical Arts: This song is from the romantic fantasy City of Angels. Alanis Morrissette offers a very disquieting, profound read of the love in this film. Meg Ryan is the object of fascination for Nicholas Cage, and is perplexed yet charmed by it. Ryan is superb in the role, as she conveys complex emotions with her eyes, lips and inflections. An artist of an altogether different genre, Morissette works this same complexity from a darker view. Yes, in the song, the lady admits to really liking Cage's fascination with her, but this is laced with cynicism, even anger. Morrissette characterizes this lady as fiercely independent and intelligent and also as a lady who is not entirely hardhearted and who is willing to reconsider how genuine his attraction really is. All in all, a tour de force effort by both Ryan and Morrissette.

By the way, the lyrics to this song is probably easier to recite. It seems rather difficult to sing. An unfortunate slight and Like any uncharted territory are like tongue twisters. At a number of points, Morrissette has to strain to sing the dysrhythmic music of the song. In a way, though, this mirrors perfectly the disquieting theme of its lyrics. And, above all, Morrissette sings it superbly!