Flinch (song)

"Flinch"
Promotional single by Alanis Morissette
from the album Under Rug Swept
ReleasedMay 2002
StudioRoyaltone Studios (Los Angeles, CA)
Length6:03
LabelMaverick
Songwriter(s)Alanis Morissette
Producer(s)Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette singles chronology
"Precious Illusions"
(2002)
"Flinch"
(2002)
"21 Things I Want in a Lover"
(2002)

"Flinch" is a song recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette for her fifth studio album, Under Rug Swept (2002). The song, written, arranged and produced by Morissette herself, is inspired by an old flame she previously dated when she was younger. Lyrically, "Flinch" is about feeling ashamed and embarrassed after seeing a former boyfriend, and how much he still affects her, with the protagonist claiming that she will eventually grow up and will not even flinch at his name.

The song was released in Brazil as the album's third single, after being featured in the soundtrack of the Brazilian soap opera Desejos de Mulher in 2002. Critics were favorable with the song, with some praising its lyrics and Morissette's vocal performance as well as its story. The song charted on Brazil's Hot 100 chart, reaching the top-forty. Morissette has performed the song live numerous times, including on her "Toward Our Union Mended Tour" (2002) and her Live at Montreux 2012 CD/DVD.