The lyrics of "Amber Waves" describe a woman who has been manipulated and objectified by a man who uses her for his own purposes, turning her into a commodity for consumption by young men. Despite feeling empty and lost, she still holds on to a sense of hope and asks the Northern Lights to keep shining.

Meaning of "Amber Waves" by Tori Amos

"Amber Waves" by Tori Amos delves into the themes of objectification, manipulation, and loss of identity. The woman in the song is portrayed as a beautiful object, represented by "Amber Waves," who is shaped and used by a man for his own gain. She is stripped of her individuality and reduced to a mere commodity, showcased in the media for the pleasure of young men. The references to DVD, magazine, lap dance, and video highlight the commercialization and exploitation of her body and image. Despite being aware of the emptiness and loss she feels, expressed through the metaphor of "There's not a lot of me left anymore," she still clings to a sense of hope, symbolized by the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights represent beauty, resilience, and a guiding light, offering solace and comfort in moments of darkness and despair. By asking for the Northern Lights to keep shining, the woman seeks some form of reassurance and connection to a deeper sense of self beyond the shallow exterior that has been created for her.