Meaning of 'Beloved'

by Melissa Etheridge

Interpretation

In the song lyrics 'Beloved' by Melissa Etheridge, it is about the importance of self-expression and standing up for oneself. Melissa Etheridge describes how she is not really known by other people. She says, 'They say they don't know me, they've never seen my face.' The people who don't know her can't be sure if there is even a place where she exists.

Etheridge also addresses how some people try to hide from the world and not react to it. They think the world will just pass them by. But meanwhile, their kitchen is on fire and the water is rising dangerously. This can be understood as a metaphor for how they ignore their own problems and don't actively deal with them.

The song lyrics also talk about how other people oppose Etheridge and judge her. She describes how someone shouts at her that everyone will go to hell. But Etheridge is not deterred by that. She says, 'I just want to show them who I am, I want to show them what I can do.'

Etheridge emphasizes that there is little point in cursing the damned, but that there is strength when you have nothing to lose. She describes how someone is injured on the ground and someone else is even considering suicide to stop the pain. However, Etheridge wants to raise her voice and become louder to stand up for herself.

At the end of the song lyrics, Etheridge reminds those who try to avoid the world that there are consequences if you don't face your problems. She says, 'You think if you don't answer, the world will pass you by. But your kitchen is on fire and the water is rising three feet high and rising further.'

Overall, the song lyrics 'Beloved' by Melissa Etheridge express the importance of self-expression and standing up for oneself. Etheridge encourages listeners to find their own voice and stand up for what they believe in. She emphasizes the importance of not hiding from the world and actively dealing with one's own problems.