Werewolf

Cat Power's song "Werewolf" delves into the complex emotions of love, pain, and isolation through the metaphor of a werewolf. The werewolf, a creature often associated with fear and danger, is portrayed here with a sense of vulnerability and sorrow. The lyrics describe the werewolf moving silently through the night, not disturbing the natural world around him, which suggests a sense of detachment and loneliness. The image of the werewolf crying in the moonlight adds a layer of melancholy, indicating that this creature, often seen as monstrous, has deep, human-like emotions.

The narrator's relationship with the werewolf is fraught with pain and longing. The lines "How I loved the man, as I teared off his clothes" and "nobody knows my pain" reveal a deep, intimate connection that is also a source of suffering. The full moon, which triggers the werewolf's transformation, symbolizes the recurring nature of this pain and the inevitability of their doomed relationship. The werewolf's sympathy, mentioned repeatedly, suggests that despite his monstrous exterior, he possesses a capacity for empathy and understanding, making him relatable to the listener.

The song's haunting melody and Cat Power's emotive delivery enhance the themes of love and isolation. The werewolf's flute playing through the night until dawn symbolizes a continuous, unending cycle of sorrow and connection. This portrayal of the werewolf as a sympathetic figure challenges traditional narratives and invites listeners to see beyond the surface, recognizing the shared humanity in even the most feared and misunderstood beings.