Meaning of "Similar Features" by Melissa Etheridge

"Similar Features" explores the complex emotions that arise when a person we once loved finds someone new who resembles us physically or emotionally. Etheridge opens the song by urging the listener to close their eyes and imagine her there with them, emphasizing the longing and desire she feels towards her former lover. She acknowledges that the new partner possesses similar features, which could be interpreted as a painful reminder of what they had. The repetition of "Go on and close your eyes" serves as a plea for the lover to confront their emotions and confront the potential hurt caused by the similarities.

The lyrics hint at a tumultuous history between the singer and the lover. They suggest that the lover never had to wait for anything in life, unlike the singer who implies that she felt taken for granted. The line, "A steel blue knife," expresses the pain felt by the singer when she realizes that her lover's desire for her may have been temporary and not as passionate as she believed. The mention of "night after night" and "scent of passion" highlights the intense and passionate nature of their past relationship, contrasting it with the present situation of the lover constantly running away from commitment.

The song also references the bitterness the singer feels as the lover moves on effortlessly. Dancing with the wall, a metaphor for feeling invisible and unimportant, made the lover both bitter and sweet, emphasizing their indifference towards the singer's feelings. The line, "Are you gonna tell me how it felt? Will you tell me what it means?" showcases her desire for closure or understanding of the lover's emotional journey.

The lyrics conclude with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The singer apologizes for lying about not being torn apart by the lover moving on. The repetition of the line, "Go on and close your eyes," implies acceptance that the lover's new partner resembling her shouldn't bother her anymore, even though she still acknowledges the pain.

Overall, "Similar Features" delves into themes of longing, betrayal, and emotional complexity in relationships. It explores the impact of physical and emotional similarities between partners and the lingering emotions following a breakup. The lyrics capture the singer's vulnerability and desire for the lover to confront their own emotions and acknowledge the impact they had on her.