Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: folk
Song Meaning of “Ruin” by Cat Power
The song ‘Ruin’ by Cat Power is a highly emotive piece which questions the importance of money, success, and fame in the life of a young person. The lyrics of the song “Ruin” explore an individual journey of self-discovery, in which the protagonist considers their place in the world and whether the materialistic things that society values are necessarily the things that will bring them true happiness.
The song begins with the protagonist imagining the type of life they could have should they choose to chase the ‘American dream’, and work hard to achieve success. But despite the potential for attaining financial success, the protagonist sings, ‘How can I be sure if it’s what I want no more?’ In this line, the protagonist expresses her struggle in deciding whether having more money and power is really something that she desires, or whether she is here for something else.
The chorus of the song reinforces this message of doubt, as Cat Power sings “Don’t wanna be another ruin of the night, don’t wanna build success just to cut it down.” Here, the singer is highlighting her hesitation in wanting to acquire success just for the sake of appearing successful, only to later be ruined by it.
The second verse expands on this criticism of success being shallow and fleeting, as Cat Power sings “Money don’t mean much when your heart is out of touch”. This line captures the essence of the song: that money can be a shallow pursuit indeed, as it will not help one’s journey to realising a sense of purpose and inner fulfilment.
The bridge of the song suggests a possible solution to the protagonist’s dilemma of not being sure what to make of her success. Here, Cat Power sings of connecting with her spiritual side, and being “free from the world, hear the power of soul”. As the song comes to an end, the protagonist’s message becomes clear; that she wants to be “free from the world” and find her own truth before chasing success.
Overall, the song ‘Ruin’ by Cat Power conveys a powerful and important message throughout its duration.