Old Age

Courtney Love's song "Old Age" delves into the themes of aging, isolation, and the harsh realities of life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a woman who feels abandoned and forgotten, grappling with the loss of her youth and the bitterness that comes with it. The repeated references to "old age" underscore the inevitability of time passing and the accompanying sense of despair and disillusionment.

The song opens with a sense of helplessness and dependency, as the narrator awaits someone who has taken away her peace and empathy. The imagery of "no babies sleep on atrophy" and "unborn love and fetal stress" suggests a loss of potential and a life unfulfilled. The references to Halloween and Valentine's Day highlight the woman's feelings of being unwanted and unloved, further emphasizing her isolation and loneliness.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of disillusionment with societal norms and expectations. The line "all that glitters is sour" suggests that the things that are often valued and sought after in life are ultimately disappointing. The mention of historical figures like Hester Prynne and Anne Boleyn, both women who were judged and ostracized by society, adds a layer of historical context to the song's themes of judgment and exclusion.

The song's chorus, with its repeated refrain of "Jesus saves, old age," juxtaposes the idea of salvation with the inevitability of aging. This contrast highlights the tension between hope and despair, and the struggle to find meaning and redemption in a world that often feels harsh and unforgiving. The closing lines, "Rest in piece, I'm sorry, me in pieces, so sorry," convey a sense of regret and fragmentation, capturing the emotional turmoil of the narrator as she confronts her own mortality and the brokenness of her life.