Song Meaning
This song sets up a simple premise: the joy of a new relationship hinges on shared pleasures. The narrator immediately establishes a conversational tone, inviting a partner to compare tastes. It’s a gentle, almost playful way to gauge compatibility, suggesting that the small things can be the foundation of a lasting connection. The core of the song is this back-and-forth, a series of personal preferences offered up for mutual consideration.
The central tension lies in the narrator’s earnest desire for affirmation and shared experience. Each declaration of liking something—New York in June, a Gershwin tune, potato chips, moonlight—is followed by the direct question, "How about you?" This isn't just idle chat; it’s a subtle plea for the other person to reciprocate, to find common ground, and to confirm that their nascent bond is built on mutual enjoyment. The repeated question underscores the importance of this shared joy.
The most striking aspect is the specific, almost quirky, list of affections. From "potato chips, moonlights and motor trips" to a surprising "Franklin Roosevelt's looks give me a thrill," the narrator reveals a unique, perhaps even eccentric, sensibility. This specificity makes the invitation to compare tastes feel more genuine and less generic. It’s not just about liking *anything*, but about liking these particular, vivid things, and hoping the other person does too.
Ultimately, the lyrics work because they capture the hopeful, slightly anxious feeling of early romance. The narrator is laying their preferences bare, not just to share them, but to see if they align with their partner’s. The final lines, "I can see were in harmony, looks like we both agree / On what to do and I like it," reveal the payoff: the relief and delight of finding that shared wavelength, confirming that this connection is indeed special.