"Stephanie Says" is a song written and performed by singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur. It is a cover of the original song by The Velvet Underground, written by Lou Reed. The song tells the story of a character named Stephanie and explores her thoughts and emotions. In the lyrics, Stephanie is depicted as feeling disconnected from the people around her. She questions why she is forced to interact with people she hates and wonders which country is responsible for the wrongdoings happening across the world. Despite her struggles, Stephanie is portrayed as unafraid of death, even though others may belittle or underestimate her. Stephanie also expresses a desire to understand why, despite her good nature, she feels trapped and unable to leave her room. The song suggests that Stephanie longs for connection and reaches out by calling someone from across the room, symbolizing her loneliness and longing for companionship. The lyrics also touch upon the ambiguous nature of Stephanie's experiences, with the line "cause it's all in her mind." This suggests that Stephanie's perception and interpretation of the world may be influenced by her own internal struggles and emotions, possibly alluding to mental health issues. The repeated line, "It's so cold in Alaska" can be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of Stephanie's emotional state. Alaska, known for its cold climate, reflects the emotional chill and isolation that Stephanie feels. Overall, "Stephanie Says" explores themes of loneliness, disconnection, and the internal struggles of an individual trying to find meaning and understanding in their life. Joseph Arthur's rendition of the song captures the melancholic and introspective mood of the original, adding his own emotional depth and interpretation.
