Few songs capture the essence of 90s alternative rock scene than Stone Temple Pilots’ hit single “Plush.” Almost thirty years after its release, the song remains a staple of the genre and a favorite of rock enthusiasts worldwide. However, the song’s meaning has always remained unclear, with different interpretations cropping up by many listeners and fans.
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That being said, let’s dive into the song’s lyrics and break down its possible meanings with this comprehensive guide to the meaning behind “Plush.”
The Lyrics
“Plush” is famous for its cryptic lyrics that are open to multiple interpretations. At first glance, the song appears to be a straightforward tale of a woman leaving her lover behind and walking away from the relationship, but a close reading of the lyrics reveals a much darker subtext.
Verse 1:
“And I feel that times a wasted go
So where ya going to tomorrow?
And I see that these are lies to come
So would you even care?”
The song’s opening lyrics set the stage for the story that is yet to come. The speaker is confronting someone who plans to leave him, and he is frustrated that he has “wasted” his time on the relationship. He wants to know where the person plans to go the next day, but he already knows the answer. He sees a future where the person he loves is lying to herself and does not believe their relationship will last.
Verse 2:
“And I feel it
And I feel it
Where ya going for tomorrow?
Where ya goin’ with that mask I found?
And I feel, and I feel
When the dogs begin to smell her
Will she smell alone?”
The second verse of the song reveals that the person leaving shared an intimate connection with the speaker. He refers to her wearing a “mask” as a symbol of her hiding something essential. He questions where she’s headed with that mask. It feels like he’s asking – where are you headed in life? The unknown that’s hidden behind the mask has got him wondering.
The reference of dogs in the song can be interpreted as an indication that the person leaving was an object of interest for many people, someone to be hunted or prized. Or maybe her leaving does not negatively affect anyone, and she is now staying alone.
Chorus:
“And I feel so much depends on the weather
So is it raining in your bedroom?
And I see that these are the eyes of disarray
Would you even care?
And I feel it
And she feels it
Where ya going to tomorrow?
Where ya going with that mask I found?
And I feel, and I feel
When the dogs begin to smell her
Will she smell alone?”
The song’s chorus does not reveal much that is new but instead restates the questions asked earlier in the verse. The lines about depending on the weather, “eyes of disarray,” and the “mask” seen earlier are already referenced.
Despite the emotional turmoil, it is impossible to say that this song is depressing. The melody and the pensive verses on almost any relationship’s suffering make it a harmonious and enjoyable bundle. It portrays the intense anguish that comes with ending a relationship, underlying the suffering of having no choice left but to move on.
Interpretations Of The Song
While the song “Plush” remains open to different interpretations, it’s clear that the song’s theme hinges on something negative occurring. The song’s protagonist is in an unstable relationship where the future is uncertain. The chorus’s rhetorical questions in each stanza, “where ya going to tomorrow?” provides a sense of future ambiguity. The song implies the untrustable nature of the person leaving, as the protagonist questions if the person “would even care?” in the future, and how she is “like a dog” if she can trust such a person, someone who will betray trust.
There are different interpretations proposed by musicologists and fans. Some suggest that the song is about addiction and inner conflicts. Still, many hear the lyrics as a metaphor for a mental breakdown or a melancholic cry for a lover’s betrayal. Few other interpretations include a broken love story, a senseless tragedy, or a mystery left unsolved.
The Making Of The Song
The Stone Temple Pilots first released “Plush” in 1992 on their debut album, “Core.” The song is sung by Scott Weiland, the band’s former lead vocalist, who died in 2015.
According to producer Brendan O’Brien, the making of the song itself was straightforward. In an interview with Brian Kehew, he explains that the song’s purpose was not to make a hit, but to capture a passionate emotion, and then structure it into a fantastic song.
The song’s slow build-up and the intense chorus believe a catchy hook, making it an immediate fan favorite. Weiland’s commanding vocals have long been recognized as another factor to the song’s success.
Yet, the song’s true success could be credited to its lyrics, which strike an emotional chord with any listener. The song was released as a single a year later and won the MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist.
The Legacy Of “Plush”
It’s a testament to the song’s enduring appeal, even after all these years, that “Plush” remains a fan favorite of alternative rock all around the world. It has received numerous awards and accolades for its contribution to the rock and roll genre, making it one of the most iconic songs of the 90s.
Since its release, “Plush” has been covered by various artists and used in numerous films and television shows, including Army of Darkness, Heavy Metal 2000, and Wonder Woman 1984. The song has also been included in various video games, including Rock Band and Guitar Hero titles.
Summing It Up
In conclusion, “Plush” is a haunting yet fantastic song with several layers of meaning. It is open to interpretation, which is why it remains popular with listeners all over the globe. The song’s lyrics touch on themes of uncertainty, betrayal, and pain, making it relatable to anyone who has gone through difficult relationships.
While the lyrics may be the driving force behind the song’s success, credit must also be given to the Stone Temple Pilots’ music and Scott Weiland’s remarkable vocals, which breathed life into the song and made it a staple of the 90s alt-rock music scene.
Despite being released over three decades ago, “Plush” remains a timeless classic that will continue to stand the test of time in the future. It’s emotional and artistic qualities that will undoubtedly represent a great legacy across generations.
