This past weekend, Alanis Morissette emerged from self-imposed exile (at least in the live arena) to perform a one-off acoustic set in front of more than 50,000 people in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Her performance was part of the day-long music program for Power to the Peaceful, a free event hosted annually by Michael Franti as a general call to action. While previous years seemed to be mobilized by a strong anti-Bush sentiment, this year didn't have such a singular focus. Likewise, Morissette wasn't here to proselytize any particular doctrine; she was here just to make people happy by singing her songs.

Morissette seemed pretty happy herself, perched on a stool and frequently smiling at the audience. "So nice to be singing again -- I've been hiding out and writing a book and doing a show called 'Weeds,'" she said to massive applause. The 'Weeds' acknowledgment was actually more topical than Morissette may have realized, as there was a strong, official presence of many organizations supporting the taxation and cultivation of medical marijuana.

As for making her own political statement, Morissette stayed intentionally vague, introducing 'Offer' as a song that was about the daunting challenge of "reaching out to the macro while still tending to the micro." For those looking for something a little more direct, the best she offered came as an introduction to the song 'Everything,' towards the end of her set. "I'm obsessed with duality and wholeness, so I'm happy to be a part of Power to the Peaceful," she said. "If I'm going to be peaceful about being human, I'm not going to be peaceful about being peaceful."

Isn't that ironic?