Spiderwebs

No Doubt's song "Spiderwebs" is a metaphorical take on the experience of dealing with unwanted communication and the need for personal boundaries. The lyrics, sung by the band's lead vocalist Gwen Stefani, describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by someone else's persistent attempts to connect, likening it to being caught in spiderwebs. The song's catchy chorus, 'Sorry, I'm not home right now, I'm walking into spiderwebs, so leave a message and I'll call you back,' serves as a playful yet firm way to deflect these unwanted advances. The repeated line emphasizes the speaker's desire to avoid direct confrontation, instead opting to screen calls and delay responses.

The song also touches on themes of intrusion and the invasion of privacy. The lines 'You're intruding on what's mine and you're taking up my time' and 'Communication, telephonic invasion' suggest a frustration with the overstepping of personal space and the exhaustion that comes with constantly having to fend off someone who doesn't respect those boundaries. The metaphor of spiderwebs not only represents the entanglement in an uncomfortable situation but also the difficulty in escaping it. The song's bridge, where the lyrics mention being woken up and having dreams turn into nightmares, indicates the extent to which this unwanted attention can affect one's peace of mind.

Released in 1995, "Spiderwebs" is a track from No Doubt's breakthrough album 'Tragic Kingdom.' The song's ska-punk influence is characteristic of the band's style during this period. The energetic and upbeat sound contrasts with the song's message about the stress of dealing with persistent and unwelcome communication. This juxtaposition adds to the song's appeal, making it a relatable anthem for anyone who has ever felt the need to set boundaries in their social interactions.