Sullen Girl
Fiona Apple · Tidal
Days like this, I don't know what to do with myself
all day -- and all night
I wander the halls along the walls and under my
breath
I say to myself
I need fuel -- to take flight
Chorus:
And there's too much going on
but it's calm under the waves, in the blue of my
oblivion
Under the waves in the blue of my oblivion
Is that why they call me a sullen girl -- sullen
girl
They don't know I used to sail the deep and tranquil
sea
But he washed me shore and he took my pearl --
and left an empty shell of me
Chorus (1x)
Under the waves in the blue of my oblivion
It's calm under the waves in the blue of my oblivion
all day -- and all night
I wander the halls along the walls and under my
breath
I say to myself
I need fuel -- to take flight
Chorus:
And there's too much going on
but it's calm under the waves, in the blue of my
oblivion
Under the waves in the blue of my oblivion
Is that why they call me a sullen girl -- sullen
girl
They don't know I used to sail the deep and tranquil
sea
But he washed me shore and he took my pearl --
and left an empty shell of me
Chorus (1x)
Under the waves in the blue of my oblivion
It's calm under the waves in the blue of my oblivion
Sullen Girl
Fiona Apple's "Sullen Girl" stands as a defining track on her 2000 album *Tidal*, showcasing her signature blend of indie rock, folk, and experimental pop. The song features her distinctive vocal delivery, characterized by a sullen, conversational tone that delivers lyrics exploring themes of emotional distance and unrequited longing. Released during a pivotal era for alternative music, the recording highlights Apple's ability to weave intricate guitar lines with raw, confessional songwriting. As a central piece on *Tidal*, the track exemplifies her early work's focus on intimate storytelling and atmospheric soundscapes, cementing her reputation as a unique voice in the genre.