Song Meaning
These lyrics paint a stark picture of unfulfilled expectation and eventual role reversal. Initially, we see someone, "he," repeatedly left alone at a "table for two," a poignant image of absence where connection should be. The phrase "Once again / Waiting for you" underscores a pattern of disappointment, suggesting this isn't an isolated incident.
The narrative takes a sharp turn with the line "But that was then / And this is now," signaling a significant shift in circumstances. The mention that "You penned so many notes" implies a history of communication, perhaps promises or excuses, that ultimately led to the initial situation. This detail hints at the agency of the person who was consistently absent.
Crucially, the perspective flips in the final stanza. Now, it's "Sitting on your own / At a table for two," mirroring the opening scene but with the previously absent party in the lonely seat. This direct parallel creates a powerful sense of poetic justice, as the one who caused the waiting now experiences it firsthand.
The concluding idiom, "You can't have your cake / And eat it too," succinctly delivers the core message. It grounds the emotional impact in a universally understood principle of consequence, suggesting that past actions of indecision or taking advantage have finally caught up. The effectiveness lies in this clear, satisfying arc of reversal, making the listener feel the weight of the situation.
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