We’re coming down from our Showgirl high, and taking it back to 1989 this week. Uncle Jerry takes us through Clean, and breaks down the metaphors and themes found in the poem, including addiction, healing, personal growth, and personal agency.

He also asks Angela who this song was inspired by, and admits that he’s now wondering about that in all of these songs. :) 

There are links below to (most of!) the recommended literature from the episode. Some links are affiliate links, which means if you click and purchase, we will make a small commission at no cost to you.

Works Cited:

Metaphors We Live By –  George Lakoff and Mark Johnson

The Great War and Modern Memory – Paul Fussell

Not Waving but Drowning – Stevie Smith

Afterwards – Sara Teasdale

After Love – Sara Teasdale

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