"Eastwick" by Julia Jacklin is a song that explores the themes of grief, identity, and societal expectations. The lyrics depict the singer's reluctance to conform to societal norms and her desire to maintain her autonomy, even in the face of loss and heartbreak. The song starts with the line, "It might make for good TV, the grieving process for all to see." Here, the singer reflects on how society sensationalizes personal tragedies and displays them for entertainment. She expresses her aversion to this idea, stating that she doesn't want her father's ashes scattered over strangers' couches. This suggests that she wants to keep her grief private and intimate, away from the prying eyes of society. The next set of lyrics talks about the pressure to conform to societal expectations, particularly regarding relationships and appearances. The singer mentions the possibility of wearing a dress and sleeping with someone casually, but quickly dismisses the idea, expressing her dislike for showing her legs. She implies that she refuses to compromise her own values and authenticity, even if it goes against societal norms. The chorus, "Come on now, your roots are showing, unlike hands your hair keeps growing," addresses the idea of aging and how society often pressures individuals, especially women, to maintain a youthful appearance. The singer suggests that constantly dyeing one's hair is merely an attempt to defy age, and that the truth and authenticity of one's self is more important. The song then shifts to a narrative about a failed romantic relationship. The singer reflects on the realization that the love she had pursued was not healthy or fulfilling. She compares herself and her partner to being "two cages apart," suggesting that their relationship was restrictive and suffocating. The lyrics convey a sense of disappointment and realization that their connection was not genuine. The song concludes with the lines, "You are not in the wild, you are in a pen, a forgotten sow wondering when you can run." Here, the singer metaphorically compares herself or her partner to a captive animal, trapped and longing for freedom. This further emphasizes the themes of autonomy and breaking free from societal expectations. Overall, "Eastwick" explores the personal journey of self-discovery and the struggle to maintain one's authenticity in the face of societal pressures. Julia Jacklin's lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and embracing one's true self, even in the midst of grief and heartbreak.
