Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: singer-songwriter
Song Meaning of “Chameleon/Comedian” by Kathleen Edwards
‘Chameleon/Comedian’ by Kathleen Edwards is an emotive song about the human need to please and be accepted and to hide feelings of being a misfit. Throughout the song, Edwards portrays a character that undergoes an emotional journey from feeling lost and alienated to finding her place in the world, though it is not an easy path.
The song begins with a sense of dissonance, as the speakers contrasts being a ‘chameleon’ and a ‘comedian’. By changing personas to fit in with different situations she is able to avoid loneliness, yet it leads to a sense of alienation. The tension is further emphasized by language such as ‘headache’ and ‘splintery’, which further characterize the protagonist’s sense of discomfort.
In the chorus, Edwards sings about finding assurance in the ‘trials and tribulations’ of life. This suggests strength is found in learning to accept that life is uncomfortable and uncertain. The idea is carried on into the bridge as the singer reveals that she is ‘coming out on the other side’ despite feeling despair and confusion. This implies that the character has realized no matter how lost they feel, they are always capable of finding their way back home.
Ultimately, the song ends on a hopeful note and it is a reminder that all humans have to face ‘trials and tribulations’ in order to grow and find their place in the world.