Through the years, people have noted that the Alanis Morissette hit “Ironic” on Jagged Little Pill (1995) misunderstood the meaning of “ironic.” The events listed in her song included things like a free ride when you already paid and rain on a wedding day. These events might be described as “coincidental” or “improbable,” but not “ironic.” The Free Online Dictionary instead defines “irony” as an “occurrence, result, or circumstance notable” for an “[i]ncongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs.”
To illustrate true irony, Eliza Hurwitz rewrote the lyrics to “Ironic” and her sister Rachel Hurwitz did the music to make “It’s Finally Ironic.” This new song changes the lyrics of Morrisette’s song to illustrate irony. For example, a fly in your chardonnay is not ironic, unless you specifically purchased the chardonnay to repel flies. Check out the song.
The grammar critique does not undermine Morisette’s songwriting skills or the hit original, of course (and as one YouTube commentator noted, maybe is ironic that a song about irony does not feature any irony). While some have criticized the critics of the song, the new video is an entertaining and educational tribute to Morissette’s original. And Ms. Hurwitz and Ms. Leah made something fun out of all of the discussion of the song.
What is your favorite part of “It’s Finally Ironic”? Leave your two cents in the comments.
(Some related Chimesfreedom posts.)
