Meaning of "My Many Smells" by The Dead Milkmen
The song "My Many Smells" by The Dead Milkmen seems to explore the idea of self-awareness and self-acceptance, even of the less desirable aspects of oneself. By listing out various repugnant smells that the speaker embodies, they are essentially laying bare their flaws and imperfections for all to see. The repeated invitation for others to come and smell them can be interpreted as a metaphor for inviting others to fully accept and understand all aspects of one's being, the good and the bad. The speaker wants to be seen, heard, touched, and even smelled in their entirety, without hiding any part of themselves. Embracing one's own flaws and inviting others to do the same can be seen as a form of radical self-acceptance and vulnerability, challenging social norms that often prioritize presenting only the best parts of oneself to the world.