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Alanis Morissette — All I Really Want
Album: Jagged Little Pill
Avg rating:
6.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 840









Released: 1995
Length: 4:35
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Do I stress you out?
My sweater is on backwards and inside out
And you say how appropriate
I don't want to dissect everything today
I don't mean to pick you apart, you see
But I can't help it

And there I go jumping before the gunshot has gone off
Slap me with a splintered ruler
And it would knock me to the floor if I wasn't there already
If only I could hunt the hunter

And all I really want is some patience
A way to calm the angry voice
And all I really want is deliverance
Ahh...

Do I wear you out?
You must wonder why I'm relentless and all strung out
I'm consumed by the chill of solitary
I'm like Estella
I like to reel it in and then spit it out
I'm frustrated by your apathy

And I am frightened by the corrupted ways of this land
If only I could meet the Maker
And I am fascinated by the spiritual man
I'm humbled by his humble nature, yeah

And what I wouldn't give to find a soul mate
Someone else to catch this drift
And what I wouldn't give to meet a kindred
Ahh...

Enough about me, let's talk about you for a minute
Enough about you, let's talk about life for a while
The conflicts, the craziness and the sound of pretenses falling all around, all around

Why are you so petrified of silence
Here, can you handle this?
Did you think about your bills, your ex, your deadlines
Or when you think you're gonna die?
Or did you long for the next distraction?

And all I need now is intellectual intercourse
A soul to dig the hole much deeper
And I have no concept of time other than it is flying
If only I could kill the killer

And all I really want is some peace, man
A place to find a common ground
And all I really want is a wavelength
Ahh...

And all I really want is some comfort
A way to get my hands untied
And all I really want is some justice
Ahh...
Comments (88)add comment
I like a bit Alanis, just not this bit. 
Posted 6 months ago by Alastair    [ Reply ]
I ran to turn it off. Makes me feel unsettled every time.  Such an angry voice.
Funny thing is that I thought it was cool when my teenage daughter listened to it when it first came out. 
Posted 6 months ago by gregerigeraldine    [ Reply ]
The singing style just doesn't work for me. The extreme vocal slippage would be fine when used sparingly as on You Oughta Know, but here there's just way too much of it.
Posted 6 months ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
I used to like her when she first came out, but now her voice really grates on my nerves. This comes from somebody who likes Bob Dylan and Tom Waits. 
Posted 6 months ago by smartn1    [ Reply ]
I'm in the minority.  Always liked this, especially the guitar backing.
and yes, I like her voice.
Posted 6 months ago by brosen    [ Reply ]
Haters be damned -- "intellectual intercourse" is a great turn of phrase.
Posted 6 months ago by aaronm    [ Reply ]
Just where has my youth gone.
Posted 7 months ago by laserace    [ Reply ]
Love the drumming and Alanis’ roller coaster like vocal lines. Guitar has some 60s vibe too. Cool song. 
Posted 9 months ago by bluebeag    [ Reply ]
Alanis did so many great songs. This is just not one of them.
Posted 9 months ago by Hippostar    [ Reply ]


Reminds when I used to get in trouble for telling my little sister to shut-up.

Posted 1 year ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Screechy, warbling, and painful.
Posted 2 years ago by Chimpmeister    [ Reply ]
Stop screeching woman!
Posted 2 years ago by crispynz1    [ Reply ]
This album is a milestone, speaking as a not the biggest fan of Alanis. Easy 7. 
Posted 2 years ago by cropduster    [ Reply ]
Holy cow, look at that graph.  It's lighting up red.  I'm sick of "You Oughta Know" but this one is pretty decent.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
this was an ... unexpected ... follow-up from Tchaikovsky
Posted 2 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
 bahalana wrote:

When my daughter was in high school, she owned this album and I loved it when she played it because I secretly loved it too, I don't remember a bad track on the whole CD. However, I get she's an acquired taste, but you would never mistake her work for someone else's, the mark of true artistry.



I'm going through exactly the same thing with Taylor Swift right now. 
Posted 3 years ago by newbolddrive    [ Reply ]
When my daughter was in high school, she owned this album and I loved it when she played it because I secretly loved it too, I don't remember a bad track on the whole CD. However, I get she's an acquired taste, but you would never mistake her work for someone else's, the mark of true artistry.
Posted 3 years ago by bahalana    [ Reply ]
Funny story-Glen Ballard, the producer for this great recording, is from Meridian, MS (my home state). After the success of the album (five grammys) the city leaders decided to have a "Glen Ballard Day" celebration. During the meeting regarding the accolade, they played the entire album. After listening they called off the special day due to the explicit lyrics. Ridiculous but true. 
Posted 3 years ago by Kingsized    [ Reply ]
I never expected so much hate for Alanis at RP.  Don't really get why. You might not like her music, but why the hate?
Posted 3 years ago by paloeguevo    [ Reply ]
 roadshow wrote:

oh my god, i forgot about this song. gonna have to play it for my soon-to-be-former boyfriend. "all i need now is intellectual discourse...and all i really want is a wavelength"


"intellectual intercourse". You missed the best pun.
Posted 3 years ago by AndyR    [ Reply ]
 Laptopdog wrote:

Playing this after Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is just one reason why this is my favorite radio station.


And this is still a great jam
Posted 3 years ago by DanFHiggins    [ Reply ]
Jagged Little Pill - the Last BIG Rock Album
Posted 3 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
 Laptopdog wrote:

Playing this after Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is just one reason why this is my favorite radio station.



Except when she gets censored.
Posted 3 years ago by acferrad    [ Reply ]
 Laptopdog wrote:

Playing this after Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is just one reason why this is my favorite radio station.



I'll give that an amen.
Posted 3 years ago by Cueburned    [ Reply ]

Why are you so petrified of silence
Here, can you handle this?
Did you think about your bills, your ex, your deadlines
Or when you think you're gonna die?
Or did you long for the next distraction?


Posted 3 years ago by dray2009    [ Reply ]
looooooooooove this song
Posted 3 years ago by jkforde    [ Reply ]
still an AMAZING ALBUM - check out the acoustic album  version also
Posted 3 years ago by jmsmy    [ Reply ]
 Laptopdog wrote:

Playing this after Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is just one reason why this is my favorite radio station.


He just did it again and the segue literally made my jaw drop. Just brilliant.
Posted 3 years ago by lewisv66    [ Reply ]
Dave Matthews eat your heart out..
Posted 3 years ago by jasko    [ Reply ]
Playing this after Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is just one reason why this is my favorite radio station.
Posted 3 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
 peter.gerzner wrote:
This is a bad song{#Arghhh}
 
Truly!  Great voice, but what is she trying to do with it?
Posted 3 years ago by khardog145    [ Reply ]
Ah, memories of driving around the west LA freeways in my mid-20's when this hit the radio.  Grunge and Alt Rock had blown away the 80's Milli Vanilli and Madonna from much of the airwaves.  A lot of new and different sounds were coming out, not from committees and corporate songwriting teams, but individual artists.  This was fresh and different - and I liked it
Posted 3 years ago by obankenobi    [ Reply ]
I don't care.  I like it.  She's great in concert, too.
9

I also like Patti Smith a lot ...
Posted 3 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
Never had a lot of time for Alanis, but listening to this now I'm really liking the rhythm and imagining it's a terrible karaoke version of a Beck song.
Posted 3 years ago by missionaire    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:
I can't help myself.  I think she's great.
 

Now this is good Canadian Talent!
Please replace all Alanah Myles with Alanis.
Posted 4 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
This sounds like a conversation during a bad date. Or maybe a perfect one? Or an overacted scene?

Either of the three...or another of your own choice...this song rocks. 

8...and I'm picky. 
Posted 4 years ago by jamesbowne907    [ Reply ]
Ha ha! Haven't heard this for a good 25yrs. Reminds me of a rather fraught relationship with a girl from Alaska, who was as crazy as Alanis sounds. Thanks Bill
Posted 4 years ago by Motolorax    [ Reply ]
On a Monday, Bill?!
Posted 4 years ago by StfuDonny    [ Reply ]
Not one of her strongest pieces.
Posted 4 years ago by njswede    [ Reply ]
This aged really bad - she rerecordes the album 2005 in an accoustic version. there one can see, that the songs actually are quite good. its just a horrific production here, despite its succes in the 90ies
Posted 4 years ago by saellig668552    [ Reply ]
 Tonedeaf wrote:
On some levels this is cool for its unpolished edgy feel. The music is decent as well. There are times though when I flinch because her singing sounds like the stray cats out behind our house wailing at each other in the night. Hearing it once in a great while would be okay. If it starts getting lots of play time...
 

But the edgy feel is actually so polished...  
Posted 4 years ago by Queue    [ Reply ]
It's fine, not her best.
Posted 4 years ago by acolt    [ Reply ]
I don’t know what I think of this as a song but it just takes me back to my teens so I’ll give a worthy score for making me remember a time when I didn’t care about the price of Nivea Q10
Posted 6 years ago by yougivememosi    [ Reply ]
 deepwoodskev wrote:
She sounds just like when my cat stubs his toe.
 

Poor kitteh!


I missed this one for the most part back in the day--probably 'cause I was switching the FM station or running away from the speaker. An angry screed that hasn't aged well. 
Posted 6 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
I can't help myself.  I think she's great.
Posted 6 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Is that a 'wow' or an 'ouch'.  Not sure. maybe just wtf
Posted 6 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
She sounds just like when my cat stubs his toe.
Posted 6 years ago by deepwoodskev    [ Reply ]
Awful
Posted 6 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
This is a bad song{#Arghhh}
Posted 6 years ago by peter.gerzner    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
IS THAT LOWEST RATING ON RP EVER...?

5.0...?

Very gentle people here!

In Germany we cut throats, if anybody dares to sing like an idiot!
 
Just a little advice: Stay away from your keyboard while your drunk.....

Posted 14 years ago by von_Hayek    [ Reply ]
IS THAT LOWEST RATING ON RP EVER...?

5.0...?

Very gentle people here!

In Germany we cut throats, if anybody dares to sing like an idiot!
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Ahhhhh. Just about as ghastly as I remember.
I need some "mind brillo" to scrub the fact that this song was ever written.

{#Stupid} 
Posted 14 years ago by 80poundsOfFury    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:

Ms. Morissette was actually upstaged last night by Crystal Bowersox, whose voice and performance were anything but pathetic.  I think if you had seen the performance you would have noticed that Morissette felt the same way as I do.  Of course she wrote the song, which is a more impressive feat in my mind.  But the Idol contestant clearly has the better vocal ability.  No contest. 

 
I have different spin on this. I think Alanis recognized the moment was not about her but rather Crystal's and took an appropriate back seat. Hard for some to leave ego at the door.
Posted 14 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
I like it, Bill.
Posted 14 years ago by Bosami    [ Reply ]
 Tonedeaf wrote:
On some levels this is cool for its unpolished edgy feel. The music is decent as well. There are times though when I flinch because her singing sounds like the stray cats out behind our house wailing at each other in the night. Hearing it once in a great while would be okay. If it starts getting lots of play time...
 

Totally agree.  Sometimes I'm in the mood for it and other times I'm not.  It's really black or white.  Evocative, but. . . . not today, thank you.
Posted 14 years ago by Webfoot    [ Reply ]
Please... let this be the last time she ever darkens this channel.

Banal lyrics, pretentious vocal 'stylings' and overplayed, cliche progressions.  She is the 'Tiffany' of alternative songwriting.

There is soooo much, that is sooo much better than this.  She belongs in the dustbin of mediocrity.

AAAAAAAAAAAAHHH, Turin Brakes.  Thanks, Bill.
Posted 14 years ago by Bone    [ Reply ]
NIGHTMARE!!!!
"1"
Posted 14 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Screeeeeeeeeeech!
Posted 14 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
awful
Posted 14 years ago by a_genuine_find    [ Reply ]
I enjoy most of her music. Not this song, though. Terribly annoying. {#No}

Posted 14 years ago by TimeWaster    [ Reply ]

Ms. Morissette was actually upstaged last night by Crystal Bowersox, whose voice and performance were anything but pathetic.  I think if you had seen the performance you would have noticed that Morissette felt the same way as I do.  Of course she wrote the song, which is a more impressive feat in my mind.  But the Idol contestant clearly has the better vocal ability.  No contest. 


Posted 14 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
I had almost forgot how much I hate her.  Thanks RP!
Posted 14 years ago by ch83575    [ Reply ]
never noticed the chipmunk background singers before; guess it makes sense.
Posted 14 years ago by to_the_eleven    [ Reply ]
Crystal, from American Idol, didnt at all match Alanis for their duet performance.  Nothing compares to Alanis!
Posted 14 years ago by ortallcowgirl    [ Reply ]
been a few years...well done Bill, keep reaching back...
Posted 14 years ago by Decoy    [ Reply ]
Wow, Alanis is here...surprised.
Posted 17 years ago by Kerly    [ Reply ]
Fantastic CD! Still play it regula!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
I remember first hearing this album before it hit AM Radio and thinking... "Kinda cool. Has no chance in the mainstream and she'll die a critically aclaimed indie artist. But kinda cool." Geez, how wrong can ya get?
Posted 17 years ago by The_Enemy    [ Reply ]
On some levels this is cool for its unpolished edgy feel. The music is decent as well. There are times though when I flinch because her singing sounds like the stray cats out behind our house wailing at each other in the night. Hearing it once in a great while would be okay. If it starts getting lots of play time...
Posted 17 years ago by Tonedeaf    [ Reply ]
Makes my hair scream in pain.
Posted 17 years ago by Land_Shark    [ Reply ]
SiniLMan wrote:
God I loved this album when it first came out! Hearing it now, it's amazing how much Alanis has grown up. Her voice is much less grating now which I didn't notice back then. Still a great song though.
Agreed on all counts.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
From Bob Dylan to Alanis....Not that, my friends, is a nice...uhh, WTF?
Posted 17 years ago by okobojicat    [ Reply ]
DO NOT WANT
Posted 17 years ago by thewaxtadpole    [ Reply ]
haven't heard this since I was what? 16?
Posted 17 years ago by gandalfbmg    [ Reply ]
HORRIBLE
Posted 17 years ago by daveesh    [ Reply ]
Off come the headphones. This is beyond awful. -10
Posted 17 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
Look in the dictionary under caterwauling
Posted 20 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
God I loved this album when it first came out! Hearing it now, it's amazing how much Alanis has grown up. Her voice is much less grating now which I didn't notice back then. Still a great song though.
Posted 20 years ago by SiniLMan    [ Reply ]
It's as if they had her running around the studio chased by a pitbull terrier 20 times right before recording this song.
Posted 20 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
BoFiS wrote:
once over-played, but now fun to hear...I'll have to dig out this album again
Agreed - I like this one much better now that it is never played.
Posted 20 years ago by Steelhead    [ Reply ]
Her voice makes me wanna yank what's left of my hair out.
Posted 20 years ago by maxgruv    [ Reply ]
oh my god, i forgot about this song. gonna have to play it for my soon-to-be-former boyfriend. "all i need now is intellectual discourse...and all i really want is a wavelength"
Posted 20 years ago by roadshow    [ Reply ]
Is Bill playing this on Halloween to scare us?
Posted 20 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
dreadful...... headphones have just come off........
Posted 20 years ago by timdooley    [ Reply ]
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Aw christ woman, shut the hell up.
word.
Posted 20 years ago by B-dub    [ Reply ]
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Aw christ woman, shut the hell up.
i'm with you... :tapedshut:
Posted 20 years ago by asparklinggirl    [ Reply ]
once over-played, but now fun to hear...I'll have to dig out this album again
Posted 20 years ago by BoFiS    [ Reply ]
Aw christ woman, shut the hell up.
Posted 20 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]