How Could She

Type O Negative's song "How Could She" is a fascinating exploration of unrequited love and the emotional impact of fictional characters on real-life feelings. The lyrics list a series of iconic female characters from television history, ranging from Wilma Flintstone to Wonder Woman. These characters span various genres and eras, representing a nostalgic journey through the golden age of TV. The repeated question, "How could she?" underscores the singer's bewilderment and sorrow over the unattainable nature of these fictional loves.

The song delves into the emotional turmoil of loving someone who doesn't exist. The lines, "In my heart, I know you are not real / Though in mind, suspect you still can feel," highlight the cognitive dissonance experienced by the singer. He knows these characters are mere figments of imagination, yet he can't help but feel a deep emotional connection to them. This paradox is further emphasized by the singer's admission of being "addicted to TV," suggesting that his immersion in these fictional worlds has blurred the lines between reality and fantasy.

Cultural references abound in the song, from Hanna-Barbera cartoons to Warner Brothers classics, painting a vivid picture of the media landscape that shaped the singer's affections. The inclusion of characters like Lieutenant Uhura and Wonder Woman also hints at the progressive and diverse nature of these TV heroines, who broke barriers and became icons in their own right. The song serves as a poignant commentary on the power of media to influence our emotions and the sometimes painful realization that these beloved characters can never reciprocate our feelings.