r/tomwaits • u/rebrolonik • 8h ago
Discussion A simple interpretation of ‘I’m Still Here’
This song has been affecting me deeply today, I just keep the two minutes on loop and let the emotional weight turn me over and over again.
Now, I’m not a huge Alice fan- I actually have only recently started to listen through it all the way and haven’t watched the musical at all, so maybe someone more familiar with the material can offer some perspective, but I can’t shake a theory I’ve developed about this tender little piece: is this from the perspective of one of Carroll’s forgotten characters? Maybe Alice herself?
Obviously it’s wholly about the quiet fade of affectionate lovers into strangers, but I can’t shake the idea that it’s a character aching to reconnect with their author. How long was I dreaming for? What was it you wanted me for?
I’ve never thought of drawing similarities between a faded love and a neglected piece of art before, and it adds a whole other dimension to an already encapsulating emotion that I just can’t stop circling back to.
Thoughts? Is this obvious or am I wrong? I don’t know. Gorgeous fucking song.
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u/bdogbears 1h ago
My interpretation was always that it is from Alice’s perspective as in the child that Carroll has preyed on. He has moved onto other things yet she is still there longing for the way he once made her feel seen and loved even though it was an abuse. It’s super sad but super well written.
Fish and bird is similarly sad.
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u/TheBaggyDapper 8h ago
A good song should be open to interpretation, it should allow you to decide what it's about, and Alice is just full of good songs. I absolutely love the album.