Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of cautious optimism in the face of external doubt and past deception. The narrator expresses a clear distrust of outside information, stating, "Don't believe a word / None of it's true." This sets a tone of guardedness, suggesting a history where rumors or falsehoods have caused pain or confusion. The immediate emotional texture is one of weary skepticism, but it’s tempered by a nascent hope.
The central tension lies in the delicate balance between past hurt and the potential for a new, genuine connection. The narrator is willing to engage, offering a conditional reciprocity: "If you treat me fine / I won't be unkind." However, this openness is immediately qualified by the acknowledgment that it's "too soon / In time to tell," highlighting the narrator's internal conflict and the need for time to build trust.
The most striking element is the repeated refrain, "Let people talk until they don't / Let's me and you keep on." This phrase acts as a mantra, a deliberate choice to tune out external noise and focus inward on the burgeoning relationship. The repetition of "keep on" and "Keeping on" emphasizes perseverance and a commitment to moving forward despite uncertainty, suggesting that the strength of the bond is being forged in defiance of outside opinions.
This lyrical approach is effective because it grounds the abstract idea of trust-building in concrete, relatable actions and sentiments. The simple, direct language, coupled with the cyclical structure of doubt and hopeful continuation, mirrors the tentative steps of forming a new connection. It’s the quiet determination to ignore gossip and simply *be* together that gives the song its understated power.