Meaning of "Enid" by Barenaked Ladies

The lyrics of "Enid" portray a tumultuous relationship that lacked a true understanding between the narrator and Enid. The repetition of the line "Enid, we never really knew each other anyway" emphasizes the theme of disconnection and emphasizes their mutual lack of understanding. The opening lines, "The silence, the terror, the pain, the horror, as your mom comes downstairs," suggest a forbidden or secretive relationship. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, which explores the anguish and internal struggle of the narrator.

The second verse delves into the aftermath of the relationship. The narrator sings about the time it took to accept that it was over and get over the loss. The lyrics mention how Enid's letters and the taste of her lip gloss served as painful reminders of their past. The narrator acknowledges their own faults, expressing moments when they wanted to hurt Enid and times when they believed they could kill her. These confrontations highlight the immaturity and volatility they experienced as young individuals in the relationship.

The lyrics then shift to questioning the lack of respect and understanding between the two. The narrator wonders why they never truly believed that Enid was a person too, showcasing a failure in empathy and recognition of Enid's individuality. The narrator confesses to thinking that Enid had feelings for their brother, further illustrating their own feelings of insecurity and jealousy. The repetition of Enid's name throughout the song suggests a longing to understand and connect with her, despite the shattered relationship.

Towards the end, the narrator reflects on the passage of time and the impact it has on memory. They mention how they're able to now fulfill various responsibilities and tasks, but they no longer have the desire to do it all for Enid. The lyrics express a sense of resignation and acceptance, implying that the narrator has moved on from the relationship and the person they used to be.

Overall, "Enid" explores the complexities of a troubled relationship, highlighting the lack of understanding, unresolved emotions, and missed opportunities for true connection and growth. It depicts the pain and confusion that can arise from immature and dysfunctional partnerships and reflects on the long-lasting impact they can have on our lives.