Jenny Hval：Meaning of That Battle Is Over Songmeaning

Jenny Hval's song "That Battle Is Over" explores the idea of self-care and the societal pressures that women face to conform to traditional gender roles. The lyrics question what it means to take care of oneself and whether we are truly loving and mothering ourselves. The song references statistics and newspaper headlines that suggest women are unhappy and dying, and need a man and child to fulfill them. Hval challenges this notion and questions whether these expectations are merely a result of societal norms and conditioning, rather than biological truths. As she ages, Hval reflects on the changes in her body and wonders "what's wrong with me?" She also acknowledges the idea that feminism and socialism are "over" and that she can now consume what she wants, suggesting a sense of freedom but also a disconnect from larger societal issues. The chorus of the song repeats "Sleep tight forever," which can be interpreted as a desire for eternal rest or peace in a world that can be overwhelming and exhausting. It suggests a longing for escape from societal pressures and the ever-watchful "Great Eye" of judgment and critique. Overall, "That Battle Is Over" encourages listeners to examine their own self-care practices and question the societal pressures that may be limiting their potential for happiness and fulfillment.