I Was Hoping
Alanis Morissette · Original Album Series [2012]
We were shivering, yet warmed by the subject matter
My wife is in the next room
We've been having troubles, you know?
Please don't tell her or anyone, but I need to talk to somebody
You said, "Wouldn't it be a shame if I knew how great I was
Five minutes before I died? I'd be filled with such regret
Before I took my last breath"
And I said, "You're willing to tell me this now, and you're not going to
Die any time soon"
And I said, "I haven't been eating chicken or meat or anything"
And you said, "Yes, but you've been wearing leather" and laughed and said
"We're at the top of the food chain, and yes, you're still a fine woman"
And I cringed
I was hoping, I was hoping we could heal each other
I was hoping, I was hoping we could be raw together
We left the restaurant where the head waiter (in his 60's) said
"Goodbye, sir. Thank you for your business, sir.
You're successful and established, sir. We like the frequency with which
You dine here, sir...and your money"
And when I walked by they said, "Thank you, too, dear"
I was all pigtails and cords, and there was a day when I would've said
Something like, "Hey, dude, I could buy and sell this place, so kiss it.
I, too, once thought I was owed something"
I was hoping, I was hoping we could challenge each other
I was hoping, I was hoping we could crack each other up
I, too, thought that when proved wrong I lost somehow, and
I, too, once thought life was cruel, and
It's a cycle really: you think I'm withdrawing and guilt-tripping you
I think you're insensitive and I don't feel heard
And I said, "Do you believe we are fundamentally judgemental?
Fundamentally evil?"
And you said, "Yes"
I said, "I don't believe in revenge; in right or wrong; good or bad"
You said, "Well, what about the man that I saw handcuffed in the
Emergency room, bleeding after beating his kid, and she threw a shoe
At his head?"
And I think what he did was wrong
And I would've had a hard time feeling compassion for him
I had to watch my tone for fear of having you feel judged
I was hoping, I was hoping we could dance together
I was hoping, I was hoping we could be creamy together
I Was Hoping
Alanis Morissette's "I Was Hoping" captures the raw emotional intensity that defined her breakthrough era. Released during a period of significant commercial success, the track showcases her signature blend of alternative rock and introspective songwriting. The recording reflects the mature perspective she brought to her catalog, moving beyond early hits to explore complex themes of expectation and disappointment. Morissette's distinctive vocal delivery anchors the song, delivering a performance that resonates with listeners familiar with her broader discography. As part of her extensive body of work, this piece stands as a testament to her ability to craft relatable narratives within a polished musical framework. The song remains a notable song in her collection, highlighting her enduring influence on the genre and her capacity to connect deeply with audiences through honest expression.

