Similar Features
by Melissa Etheridge
What is “Similar Features” really about?
If you’ve ever wondered what “Similar Features” by Melissa Etheridge is really about, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down.
In 'Similar Features' by Melissa Etheridge, the song navigates the emotional upheaval of seeing a past lover move on with someone who superficially resembles the singer, highlighting the pain and self-deception involved in trying to cope with the loss.
So… what’s this song really about?
Melissa Etheridge's 'Similar Features' deals with the pain of an ended relationship and the complex feelings that arise when one's former partner finds a new love who bears a physical resemblance to them. The lyrics suggest a storyline where the singer is struggling to reconcile the visual similarities between herself and her ex's new partner, which resurfaces old feelings and insecurities. This scenario prompts a deeper examination of identity, replacement, and the idea of being interchangeable. By advising herself (or the listener) to 'close your eyes' and 'imagine me there,' there's an exploration of denial and the mental tricks one might play to temporarily ease heartache. The song cleverly uses the imagery of an unfinished, paint-by-number dream to underscore the incompletion and artificiality of trying to replicate or replace a unique relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What album is 'Similar Features' by Melissa Etheridge from?
It is from her self-titled debut album, 'Melissa Etheridge', released in 1988.
Q: What genre does 'Similar Features' by Melissa Etheridge belong to?
The song falls into the rock genre, with elements of heartland rock and blues.
Lyrics to “Similar Features”
1 ContributorSimilar Features Lyrics
[Verse 2]
Dancing with the wall
Made you bitter and sweet
There ain't much you can do
When they just lay it at your feet
But could you tell by the song
I wanted to be the one?
Did you listen again
When the damage was done?
Now the paint's still wet
In your do-it-by-number dream
Are you gonna tell me how it felt?
Will you tell me what it means?
[Chorus]
Go on and close your eyes
Go on imagine me there
She got similar features
With longer hair
And if that's what it takes
To get you through
Go on and close your eyes
It shouldn't bother you
[Bridge]
Was it want with no desire?
Was it smoke with no fire?
Did I say it doesn't rip me apart? I lied
I'm sorry dear, my hands are tied
[Chorus]
Go on and close your eyes
Go on imagine me there
She got similar features
With longer hair
And if that's what it takes
To get you through
Go on and close your eyes
It shouldn't bother you
Close your eyes
Imagine me there
She's got similar features
With longer hair
And if that's what it takes
To get you through
Close your eyes
It shouldn't bother you
[Outro]
Shouldn't bother you
Yeah
Shouldn't bother you
Yeah
It shouldn't bother you
Shouldn't bother you