Song Meaning
The lyrics present a speaker addressing a partner with a strikingly candid, almost transactional affection. There's a clear acknowledgment of the partner's imperfections, framed against an idealized "angel" figure. The dominant feeling is one of pragmatic, conditional commitment.
The core tension lies in the speaker's open admission of waiting for something "better" while simultaneously finding endearing qualities in their current partner. The repeated phrase "until the day that one comes along, I'll string along with you" establishes this precarious balance. It's a love that's present but explicitly temporary, held in abeyance by an unspoken ideal. This creates a unique emotional landscape, where affection coexists with a clear-eyed pragmatism.
The word choice "string along" is crucial here. It doesn't suggest deep devotion or unwavering loyalty, but rather a casual, perhaps even playful, attachment. This pragmatic language is then softened by a surprising twist: "The human little faults that you do have, just make me love you more." This paradox reveals a deeper, more complex affection that embraces imperfection, even as the speaker holds out for a mythical ideal.
These lyrics are effective because they subvert traditional romantic sentiment with a refreshing honesty. Instead of grand declarations, the speaker offers a grounded, self-aware perspective on love that acknowledges human flaws—both the partner's and their own. The blend of conditional commitment and genuine, albeit imperfect, affection creates a relatable portrait of love that isn't always storybook perfect, but still deeply felt.