Hole – Asking For It

"Asking For It" is a track from Hole’s 1994 album Live Through This, written by Courtney Love, Eric Erlandson, and Kurt Cobain (who provides backing vocals). The song explores themes of vulnerability, consent, and the public perception of women, especially in the context of fame and sexualization. Its title and lyrics challenge the victim-blaming narrative that often surrounds sexual assault, with raw, confrontational lines like "Was she asking for it?" repeating like an accusation. The haunting melody and emotionally charged vocals create a sense of both fragility and fury, reflecting Love’s complex experience as a woman in the spotlight, navigating both exploitation and empowerment.

Hole Asking For It Lyrics

Every time that I sell myself to you
I feel a little bit cheaper than I need to
I will tear the petals off of you
Rose red, I will make you tell the truth

Was she asking for it?
Was she asking nice?
If she was asking for it
Did she ask you twice?

Every time that I stare into the sun
Angel dust, and my dress just comes undone
And every time that I stare into the sun
Be a model or just look like one
Wild eye rot gut do me in
Do you think you can make me do it again?

Was she asking for it?
Was she asking nice?
Yeah, she was asking for it
Did she ask you twice?

If you live through this with me
I swear that I will die for you
And if you live through this with me
I swear that I will die for you

Was she asking for it?
Was she asking nice?
Yeah, she was asking for it
Did she ask you twice?
Was she asking for it?
Was she asking nice?
If she was asking for it
Did she ask you twice?

Ah, ah, ah, ah