Alanis Morissette

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Baba

Alanis Morissette

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
I've seen them kneel with bated breath for their ritual
I've watched this experience raise them to pseudo higher levels
I've watched them leave their families in pursuit of your nirvana
I've seen them coming to line up from Switzerland and America

[Chorus]
How long will this take, baba?
And how long have we been sleeping?
Do you see me hanging on to every word you say?
How soon will I be holy?
How much will this cost, guru?
How much longer till you completely absolve me?

[Verse 2]
I've seen them give their drugs up in place of makeshift altars
I've heard them chanting "Kali Kali" frantically
I've heard them rotely repeat your teachings with elitism
I've seen them boasting robes and foreign sandalwood beads

[Chorus]
How long will this take, baba?
How long have we been sleeping?
Do you see me hanging on to every word you say?
How soon will I be holy?
How much will this cost, guru?
How much longer till you completely absolve me?
[Bridge]
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria

[Verse 3]
I've seen men overlooking God in their own essence
I've seen their upward glances in hopes of instant salvation
I've seen their righteousness mixed without loving compassion
I've watched you smile as the students bow to kiss your feet

[Chorus]
How long will this take, baba?
How long have we been sleeping?
Do you see me hanging on to every word you say?
How soon will I be holy?
How much will this cost, guru?
How much longer till you completely absolve me?
Give me strength, all-knowing one
How long 'til enlightenment?
How much longer until you completely absolve me?

[Outro]
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Ave Maria

Alanis Morissette is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter, and musician who is known for her expressive and thought-provoking lyrics. She has an illustrious career spanning over three decades. Her music is known for its rawness and emotional depth, which can be seen in her iconic song "Ironic". Morissette's lyrics are often personal and introspective, and she doesn't shy away from addressing tough subjects.

About Baba

Baba is one such song that showcases Morissette's penchant for addressing societal issues in her music. The song critiques the quick-fix, self-help, consumerist appropriation of Eastern spirituality by wealthy Westerners. Morissette's lyrics are a scathing commentary on the commercialization of spirituality and the superficiality of the West's newfound interest in Eastern philosophy.

The song begins with the line, "I've seen them kneel with baited breath for the ritual." Here, Morissette talks about how people are eager to adopt Eastern spirituality as a trend, as a way to find inner peace, but their motives are not pure. They are not genuinely interested in learning about the culture or philosophy; they just want to be seen as trendy. Morissette goes on to say, "We've seen them surf on self-esteem / Like they're Kelly Slater." Kelly Slater is a famous surfer known for his skill and effortless style. Morissette cleverly uses the analogy to explain how people try to ride the wave of self-improvement without really understanding the essence of it.

The chorus of the song is a sarcastic take on the privileged position of Westerners in relation to Eastern spirituality. Morissette sings, "Baba, would you wash my feet? / My face is dirty / I'm afraid to eat." The lines are a nod to the tradition of washing feet in Eastern culture, where it is considered a sign of humility and respect. Morissette is using this imagery to show how Westerners appropriate the symbolism of Eastern culture without understanding its significance.

Morissette makes a poignant statement in the bridge of the song where she says, "And we take and we take from you what we need / Your blood, your oil, your sweet humility." The lines are a sharp criticism of the exploitative nature of Western countries towards Eastern cultures. Morissette implies that the West takes what it wants from Eastern culture, without being considerate of the cultural significance or the impact it might have on the people practicing it.

Baba is a thought-provoking song that highlights Morissette's insight into societal issues. Through her lyrics, she addresses the superficiality of Western society and their appropriation of Eastern culture. At the same time, she draws attention to the exploitation of Eastern culture by the West. Baba is a song that deserves to be heard and pondered over.