Things Left Unsaid

Another time when I took the bait and clicked it took me to a list of songs. The headline proclaimed they all had lyrical meanings that were often overlooked. While typing this I tried to find the actual page I opened, but had no luck. The song Knocking on Your Back Door was part of the list, butt you'll have to look that one up for yourself. I really don't have the energy or the desire to turn that one into a blog post.

The one that stood out to me the most was Your Love by The Outfield. I hadn't heard it for awhile even though I have heard it likely 100's of times in my life. All the times I did hear it, I never really gave much thought to what it was about. It had a pretty catchy chorus, and all the things I like about songs from that era. I suppose it got a lot of radio play on the radios that were sometimes playing at jobs I've had.

When I read the meaning I was like, What? Oh. No f'n way. So the next time I had my headphones on, I listened to it. Then I listened to it again. I wouldn't say that I became obsessed with the song. (close maybe?) I found myself adding it to the queue quite often for about a month or so.

It is a song about a guy who is trying to cheat on his girlfriend, but the girl he is cheating with won't go along with his plan. The band said the song is entirely fictional. I say that I think of most of the guys I knew back when this song was written, and if it is fiction, then it is highly believable fiction.

I picture warm summer nights, muscle cars, worn out t-shirts, cut off jean shorts, and cold beer from the bar fridge in the wood paneled rec room. A turntable spinning...

It will actually be more fun if you are actually listening to the song while reading this.

Josie's on a vacation far away

Come around and talk it over

So many things that I want to say

You know I like my girls a little bit older?

I do feel kind of bad for Josie. I have to wonder though. She's on vacation without him. I question how solid their relationship really is. Then again, he likes his girls a little bit older. Is that older than Josie, or older than him? Perhaps she is on vacation with her parents? If the guy is just old enough to have a driver's license in 1985 that would make him an 80's teenage boy. It would not be beyond the realm of possibility that he was dating a 13 year old. But she's away.

I just want to use your love tonight

I don't want to lose your love tonight

He has picked 'the other girl' up in his black Trans-am just after sunset. Red lipstick, and large blond 80's hair. They dated in the past, but she broke up with him because he's an idiot. Not a bad guy, just not very smart. Ruled mostly by his hormonal changes and desire.

I ain't got many friends left to talk to

Nowhere to run when I'm in trouble

You know I'd do anything for you

Stay the night but keep it under cover

He just wants a one night stand without commitment. His friends likely got tired of his obsessing about girls every second he was awake.

Try to stop my hands from shaking

But something in my mind's not making sense

It's been a while since we were all alone

But I can't hide the way I'm feeling

This is blue balls expressed in a song.

As you're leaving, please would you close the door?

And don't forget what I told you

Just 'cause you're right, that don't mean I'm wrong

Another shoulder to cry upon