“Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots is a haunting rock ballad from their 1992 debut album Core. Released as a single in 1993, it became a massive hit, topping the US Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.
The song’s lyrics, inspired by a tragic news story about a kidnapped girl, also serve as a metaphor for a failed relationship, exploring themes of loss, confusion, and regret. The imagery of masks and dogs adds to the song’s enigmatic and emotional depth.
In this article, we’ll explore the message conveyed in the song’s lyrics.
Table of Contents
“Plush” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
And I feel that time’s a wasted go
So where you goin’ till tomorrow?
And I see that these are lies to come
So would you even care?
The opening lines express a sense of frustration and wasted time. The speaker questions the subject’s future intentions and perceives deception.
[Pre-Chorus]
And I feel it
And I feel it
The repeated “And I feel it” emphasizes the emotional impact of the situation.
[Chorus]
Where you goin’ for tomorrow?
Where you goin’ with the mask I found?
And I feel, and I feel when the dogs begin to smell her
Will she smell alone?
The chorus introduces the imagery of a mask, suggesting hidden identities or facades. The mention of dogs smelling “her” could be a metaphor for uncovering truths or, more literally, related to the song’s inspiration of a missing person case.
[Verse 2]
And I feel so much depends on the weather
So is it rainin’ in your bedroom?
And I see that these are the eyes of disarray
So would you even care?
This verse uses weather as a metaphor for emotional states. The “eyes of disarray” suggest confusion or chaos. The speaker questions whether the subject cares about the situation, indicating a lack of emotional connection.
[Post-Chorus]
When the dogs do find her
Got time, time to wait for tomorrow
To find it, to find it, to find it
When the dogs do find her
Got time, time to wait for tomorrow
To find it, to find it, to find it
The repetition of “When the dogs do find her” and “Got time, time to wait for tomorrow” creates a sense of inevitability and patience. This could represent the eventual revelation of truth or the acceptance of a situation’s outcome.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Plush”
“Plush” by Stone Temple Pilots is a song that carries a complex and multifaceted meaning, blending themes of loss, confusion, and regret. On the surface, it appears to be a grunge rock song about love and loss, but beneath this façade lies a deeper exploration of human emotions and experiences. The song was inspired by a real-life tragedy involving a young woman who was kidnapped and murdered in the band’s hometown of San Diego. However, lead singer Scott Weiland clarified that while this event influenced the song’s imagery, “Plush” is not a direct retelling of the story.
At its core, “Plush” is a metaphor for a failed relationship, reflecting the feelings of loss and confusion that follow a passionate but ultimately doomed connection. The lyrics are rich with suggestive imagery, including shifting seasons, masks, and fading connections, which deepen this interpretation. The line “And I feel, when the dogs begin to smell her” is often seen as a reference to the use of cadaver dogs in the search for the missing woman, but in the context of the song, it also symbolizes the exposure of hidden truths and the inevitability of discovery. The song’s use of metaphors, such as the “mask,” represents the act of hiding one’s true self or feelings, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
The music video for “Plush,” directed by Josh Taft, further enhances the song’s enigmatic nature. It features Scott Weiland performing in a dimly lit lounge, surrounded by shadowy visuals that add to the song’s mystique. Different versions of the video exist, but both include a striking final shot of a woman examining herself in a mirror, which can be interpreted as a reflection of self-discovery or disappearance into one’s own reflections. This visual element underscores the song’s themes of introspection and the search for truth.
Despite its origins in tragedy and heartbreak, “Plush” resonates with listeners on a universal level, capturing the essence of confusion, miscommunication, and the longing for clarity in relationships. The song’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to evoke powerful emotions and its timeless exploration of human vulnerability. As one of Stone Temple Pilots’ most beloved tracks, “Plush” continues to stand out as a masterpiece of 1990s rock, blending grunge and ragtime influences with haunting melodies and enigmatic lyrics.
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.