We eventually realize we have to get self-sufficient—must get content inside ourselves, solid, filled with purpose we’re carrying out, before we can be good with others (perhaps with the exception of people who love us unconditionally, for those of us lucky enough to have such people—often grandparents—in our lives). Without that solidity, we’re just looking to assuage the pain of our loneliness, in the company of others but essentially, achingly, alone. Morrissette wrote this song about missing her bandmates—her found family—during the Covid lockdown. Solid or not, we’re all here, together. We need each other.

Alanis Morrissette, "I Miss the Band," written by Michael Farrell & Alanis Morissette, 2021.

This post is part of Music 100, a love letter to songs. 100 words on 100 songs in 100 days, running from Groundhog Day to early June, 2025.

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