Song meaning of Never Said by Liz Phair

The lyrics of the song "Never Said" by Liz Phair convey a message of innocence and denial. The repetition of the phrase "I never said nothing" emphasizes the protagonist's strong assertion of their innocence and ignorance. They claim to have no knowledge of any rumors or gossip that may be circulating about them.

The song seems to address the power of words and the consequences they can have. The opening line, "I don't know where you heard it, don't know who's spreadin' it 'round," suggests that the protagonist is being accused or judged based on something they supposedly said. However, they vehemently deny ever uttering a word.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of reputation and the need to defend oneself against false accusations. The lines "All I know is I'm clean as a whistle, baby...I didn't let the cat out" highlight the protagonist's innocence and their desire to maintain a spotless reputation. They suggest that they have nothing to hide and have not betrayed anyone's trust.

Furthermore, the lyrics express a sense of defiance and resistance against scrutiny or judgment. The lines "Don't look at me sideways...I ain't done anything wrong" demonstrate the protagonist's refusal to be scrutinized or labeled as guilty without evidence.

Overall, the song's interpretation revolves around themes of innocence, denial, and the need to defend one's reputation against false accusations. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of truth, accountability, and the consequences of words and rumors.