Veruca Salt is a rock band from Chicago formed in 1992 by Nina Gordon, Louise Post, Jim Shapiro, and Steve Lack. Their hit single, “Seether,” released in 1994 on the album American Thighs, is known for its powerful and mysterious lyrics discussing frustration, inner struggles, and feeling overwhelmed.
In this analysis, we’ll delve into the song’s lyrics to uncover the hidden emotions and ideas that make “Seether” an intriguing alternative rock track.
What Does “Seether” Mean?
The song “Seether” was written by Veruca Salt’s singer-guitarist, Nina Gordon.
In a 1994 interview with MuchMusic, the interviewer suggested that “Seether” might be about female “animalistic instincts” or bouts of rage.
Gordon’s reply is a resounding “YES.” She said, “You write a song, think it’s about one thing for five minutes… and discover that it’s about many different things and working on many different levels.” That’s why the meanings of her songs always change durning and after the writing process.
In the band’s 1997 hit single “Volcano Girls,” the seether was identified as “Louise,” presumably referring to Veruca Salt’s singer-guitarist Louise Post.
“Seether” Lyrics Meaning
Verse 1
“Seether is neither loose nor tight
Seether is neither black nor white
I tried to keep her on a short leash
I tried to calm her down
I tried to ram her into the ground, yeah”
The start of “Seether” sets the mood with the lines, “Seether is neither loose nor tight, Seether is neither black nor white.” These words introduce the main theme of the song. “Seether” can represent either bursts of anger or Louise Post, the singer-guitarist of Veruca Salt.
Louise and her bandmate Nina Gordon were close friends during Veruca Salt’s early years, but their relationship soured in the late 1990s, leading to Gordon leaving the band. It seems Gordon is likely referring to Louise Post in the song due to their disagreements.
This interpretation aligns with the lyrics “I tried to calm her down” and “I tried to keep her on a short leash,” suggesting a struggle to control someone with intense emotions, possibly implying that Gordon sees women’s rage as akin to an untamed animal instinct.
Chorus
“Can’t fight the seether
Can’t fight the seether
Can’t fight the seether
I can’t see her till I’m foaming at the mouth”
The chorus of the song repeats a potent message: “Can’t fight the seether, can’t fight the seether, can’t fight the seether, I can’t see her till I’m foaming at the mouth.” This refrain captures the core struggle expressed in the song—the singer’s inability to resist or suppress Seether.
The line “I can’t see her till I’m foaming at the mouth” intensifies the emotion, conveying a feeling of desperation and a loss of control. It implies that Seether takes full hold of the singer when they reach a state of extreme emotional turmoil. The vivid image of foaming at the mouth paints a striking picture of intense anger or frustration.
Verse 2
“Seether is neither big nor small
Seether is the center of it all
I tried to rock her in my cradle
I tried to knock her out
I tried to cram her back in my mouth, yeah”
The second verse delves deeper into the nature of Seether with the lines, “Seether is neither big nor small, Seether is the center of it all.” These words emphasize that Seether is something all-encompassing, resisting easy definition or containment. It’s not just a fleeting emotion; it resides at the very core of the singer’s existence. If Seether refers to Gordon’s bandmate Louise, it makes sense, especially considering the impact of their breakup on the band.
The singer’s attempts to cope with Seether become more desperate: “I tried to rock her in my cradle, I tried to knock her out, I tried to cram her back in my mouth.” These lines convey a sense of frustration and futility.
The image of trying to “rock her in my cradle” suggests a futile effort to soothe or calm Seether, while “knocking her out” and “cramming her back in my mouth” depict a struggle to silence or control this inner turmoil.
Bridge
“Keep her down, boiling water
Keep her down, what a lovely daughter
Oh, she is not born like other girls
But I know how to conceive her
Oh, she may not look like other girls
But she’s a snarl-toothed seether, seether!”
The bridge of the song takes a dark turn, introducing vivid imagery that intensifies the overall mood. “Keep her down, boiling water, keep her down, what a lovely daughter.” These lines convey a sense of violence and brutality as the singer attempts to suppress Seether.
Boiling water symbolizes extreme heat and anger, and labeling Seether as a “lovely daughter” adds irony and sarcasm. It’s as if the singer is ridiculing the notion that Seether is something beautiful or desirable.
The bridge also suggests that Seether is unlike other girls: “Oh, she is not born like other girls.” This highlights the distinctive and intricate nature of Seether. The singer’s struggle with Seether is portrayed as an uncommon and not easily understood experience.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Seether”
The meaning of “Seether” is intentionally vague and open-ended. The deliberate absence of clarity about the character of Seether adds an air of mystery and unpredictability to the song.
One possible understanding of “Seether” is that it symbolizes internal struggles and suppressed emotions. The lyrics depict futile efforts to manage this inner turmoil, which erupts uncontrollably during moments of heightened stress or frustration.
As time has passed, the song has gained new layers of significance. In Veruca Salt’s 1997 hit “Volcano Girls,” the Seether is hinted at as “Louise,” potentially referring to Louise Post, the band’s singer-guitarist.
This revelation introduces complexity, suggesting that “Seether” might delve into internal dynamics and conflicts within the band itself.
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