Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of a man driven to extreme actions by his devotion to a woman. The opening lines establish a powerful, almost primal, connection: "A man will do most anything." This isn't just hyperbole; the narrator claims this love can compel him to morally compromising acts, like stealing from his own mother, all for the sake of a material symbol of affection, a diamond ring. The sheer repetition of the core sentiment underscores the overwhelming nature of this compulsion.
The narrator's declaration of love is framed with a striking, almost childlike, simile: "Like a schoolboy love his pie." This comparison, repeated for emphasis, suggests a pure, perhaps naive, but intensely focused desire. It's a love that consumes his thoughts, making him crave it with an uncomplicated, all-encompassing hunger. This innocent imagery contrasts sharply with the darker implications of his devotion.
The true tension emerges as the narrator admits his love makes him want to "cheat an' lie." This is where the initial, almost pure, devotion takes a morally ambiguous turn. The love that compels him to steal for a gift also drives him to deceit, revealing a complex, perhaps destructive, side to his adoration. The repeated phrase "Ever since I don't know when" further emphasizes the timeless and all-consuming nature of this love, suggesting it's a force that has always been present and continues to pull him back.
Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they capture the irrational, all-consuming power of love. The writing effectively uses simple, direct language and insistent repetition to convey a sense of overwhelming emotional force. The contrast between innocent desires and morally questionable actions highlights the extreme lengths to which this man's love propels him, making his devotion feel both potent and potentially perilous.