Uninvited

Alanis Morissette's song 'Uninvited' is a hauntingly beautiful track that delves into the complexities of attraction and personal boundaries. The song, with its ethereal melody and Morissette's emotive voice, captures the tension between being flattered by someone's interest and feeling the need to set limits. The lyrics suggest a scenario where the protagonist is the object of someone's intense fascination, which she finds flattering but also overwhelming and unwelcome.

The chorus, with the repetition of 'You're not allowed, You're uninvited,' serves as a firm assertion of boundaries. Morissette uses the word 'uninvited' to emphasize the idea that the subject's attention is not only undesired but also inappropriate. The phrase 'an unfortunate slight' could be interpreted as a polite yet firm way of expressing that their advances are being rejected, and that this rejection should be taken as a minor offense, if at all. The song's mood is one of controlled restraint, mirroring the lyrics' message of keeping an unwanted admirer at a distance.

Morissette's use of metaphors like 'uncharted territory' and 'stoic squirm' adds layers to the song's meaning. The former suggests that the protagonist is aware of her allure and the curiosity she inspires, while the latter evokes the discomfort of someone typically unemotional when faced with an intense situation. The line 'To watch shepherd meet shepherd' could imply a meeting of equals that is charged with tension. Throughout the song, Morissette's lyrics convey a nuanced understanding of the dynamics of desire, the importance of consent, and the right to deliberate on who is allowed into one's emotional space.