Alanis Morissette is a Canada-born singer, songwriter, and producer with a bold, powerful voice and deeply personal lyrics. Her music blends rock, pop, and alternative elements, and she is praised for her ability to write reflective songs.

Throughout her career, she has supported mental health awareness, female rights, personal growth, and her music production.

About the Song

“Ironic” by Alanis Morissette is a song that highlights the contradictions and ironies of life. The song’s tune and witty lyrics explore situations where things turn out the opposite of what was expected.

Ironic Lyrics by Alanis Morissette

Intro

Hey, yeah, yeah
Yeah, ah-ah-ah, yeah, hey

Verse 1

An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day
It’s a black fly in your Chardonnay
It’s a death row pardon two minutes too late

Pre-Chorus

And isn’t it ironic?
Don’t you think?

Chorus

It’s like rain on your wedding day
It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid
It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take
And who would’ve thought? It figures

Verse 2

Mr. Play-It-Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down
He thought, “Well, isn’t this nice?”

Pre-Chorus

And isn’t it ironic?
Don’t you think?

Chorus

It’s like rain on your wedding day
It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid
It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take
And who would’ve thought? It figures

Bridge

Well, life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything’s okay and everything’s going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out
When you think everything’s gone wrong
And everything blows up in your face

Verse 3

A traffic jam when you’re already late
A “No Smoking” sign on your cigarette break
It’s like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It’s meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife

Pre-Chorus

And isn’t it ironic?
Don’t you think?
A little too ironic
And yeah, I really do think

Chorus

It’s like rain on your wedding day
It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid
It’s the good advice that you just didn’t take
And who would’ve thought? It figures

Outro

And yeah, life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
And life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out

Similar Songs Like Ironic

Go through this list of some deep-meaning songs like Ironic:

• You Oughta Know: This song is full of raw emotion as he sings about feeling hurt and betrayed by an ex. It’s an angry, powerful track where she expresses anger and the pain of a breakup.
• Hand in My Pocket: It is an upbeat song that shows her more positive side. She sings about feeling unsure and confused in life but still finding hope and acceptance in the middle of it all.
• Thank U: In this song, Alanis expresses gratitude for the lessons she’s learned, even through difficult moments. It’s a song about self-awareness and spiritual growth.
• Uninvited: This song has a darker tone, where she sings about feeling unwanted and being haunted by past emotions. It reflects on being rejected and the complex feelings that come with it.
• All I Really Want: It is a fast-paced and energetic track expressing her wish for independence and speech.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Song About?

The lyrics describe various unfortunate situations labeled as “ironic,” though many have debated whether they embody irony. The song explores life’s twists and turns with humor and melancholy.

How Successful was the Song?

Ironic topped the Canadian RPM 100 chart for six weeks, reached number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and charted in the top five in Australia, New Zealand, and Norway.

Why has the Song been Criticized?

Many critics and listeners have pointed out that most situations described in the song are not ironic but unfortunate. Morissette has acknowledged this criticism humorously over the years.