Meaning of "Did I Shave My Legs For This?" by Deana Carter

The lyrics of "Did I Shave My Legs For This?" delve into themes of unfulfilled expectations, disappointment, and the struggles in a relationship. The song portrays a woman who yearns for love and intimacy but finds herself constantly let down by her partner. The line "Did I shave my legs for this?" is a metaphorical way of expressing her feelings of being neglected and unappreciated. The act of shaving her legs is typically associated with preparing for closeness and intimacy, but in this case, it becomes a symbol of wasted effort and misplaced expectations.

The first verse sets the scene of the woman coming home from work, hoping for a romantic evening but instead finding her partner engrossed in the TV and wanting a drink. This immediately highlights the disconnect between their desires and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The chorus emphasizes her disappointment, as she questions whether her efforts to look good were in vain. The repetition of the line "Did I shave my legs for this?" represents her growing frustration and resentment.

The second verse delves deeper into the dissatisfaction within the relationship. The woman recalls the promises made at the beginning of their journey together, dreams of a beautiful home and a better life. However, in reality, they are stuck in a trailer and struggling with financial issues. Her partner now suggests that she should go back to school, further highlighting his lack of commitment and inability to fulfill his promises.

The overall meaning of the song revolves around the theme of unmet expectations and the disappointment that comes with it. It reflects the common experience of feeling unappreciated and undervalued in a relationship. The woman's question, "Did I shave my legs for this?" serves as a powerful statement of disappointment, capturing the feeling of investing time and effort into oneself only to be met with indifference from a partner.