Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of someone deeply affected by the allure of "September girls," to the point of emotional distress. The opening lines immediately establish a sense of longing and regret, with the narrator admitting to crying "all the time" after a past relationship, encapsulated by the resigned "I loved you, well, never mind." This sets up a core tension: the overwhelming presence of these captivating figures versus the narrator's own internal suffering.
The central conflict emerges from the contrast between the idealized "September girls" and the narrator's own state, referred to as "December boys." The repeated refrain "December boys got it bad" suggests a collective melancholy or disadvantage associated with this group, implying they are perpetually outmatched or heartbroken by the "September girls." This seasonal dichotomy highlights a feeling of being on the losing end of affection or desire.
The lyrics employ a striking, almost childlike, contrast between the vibrant "September girls" and the somber "December boys." The phrase "I was your Butch, and you were touched" hints at a specific, perhaps unconventional, past connection that has since soured. Later, the bridge offers a fleeting moment of solace, where "she makes things right" and "makes love to me" late at night, suggesting a temporary escape or a different, more intimate relationship that provides comfort amidst the broader yearning.
Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw, unvarnished expression of unrequited desire and lingering heartbreak. The simple, almost plaintive repetition of "December boys got it bad" resonates because it captures a universal feeling of being stuck in a cycle of longing, unable to fully grasp or hold onto the object of affection, while simultaneously acknowledging moments of fleeting connection that offer a brief respite.
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