Song Meaning
The narrator is caught in a frustrating loop, unable to "get it together" while simultaneously being unable to let a specific person go. There's a deep-seated, almost predestined feeling of wanting this person "forever," a sentiment held since "a long, long time ago." This internal conflict is amplified by the other person's indecisiveness, a trait that baffles outsiders but is intimately understood by the narrator. The lyrics paint a picture of someone who sees past the inconsistency, recognizing a hidden brilliance others miss.
The central tension lies in the narrator's personal disarray versus their unwavering devotion to someone equally, if not more, chaotic. The line "You can't ever get it together / Because you like the both of us" is a crucial pivot. It suggests the narrator sees their own struggles mirrored in their partner, a shared inability to achieve stability that paradoxically strengthens their bond. This isn't just about one person's flaws; it's about two people finding a strange equilibrium in their mutual disorganization.
The writing shines in its blend of earnest affection and resigned acceptance. The narrator envisions a future, "When the springtime comes," filled with simple, intimate pleasures like writing letters and listening to records until dawn. These moments are presented as irrefutable proof of genuine connection, a stark contrast to the partner's mercurial nature. The declaration, "There could nothing more true / Than the time that I'm spending with you," highlights how the present shared experience, however imperfect, holds more weight than any future uncertainty.
Ultimately, the effectiveness comes from this raw, unvarnished portrayal of a love that defies logic. The narrator acknowledges the partner's flaws and their own inability to "get it together," yet finds profound value in the shared moments. The final, almost abrupt "The choice is obvious..." leaves the listener with a sense of the narrator's commitment, a quiet resolve born from understanding and acceptance, even amidst the ongoing chaos.