Song Meaning

These lyrics immediately cut through romantic pretense, asserting that what people often call "love" is, at its core, physical desire. The song follows a couple from their initial, deceptive flirtation to a long-term marriage. The tone is sharply observational, almost cynical, about human romantic rituals. The central tension lies in the gap between stated intentions and underlying desires. The lyrics depict a boy using flowery language, his "face is straight as Abe Lincoln," while the girl "knows what he's thinkin'." This initial deception, bluntly summarized by the recurring phrase "show me yours, I'll show you mine," drives the early narrative. The lyrics use stark imagery and chronological progression to reveal the passage of time and the realities of commitment. The shift from the boy "lightin' incense" to the couple facing "a million chores / And a couple world wars" highlights the mundane and historical forces that shape a relationship. The physical decay of aging is described with unflinching honesty: the "parts they've shown" eventually "might as well be buried." Despite the initial cynicism and the harsh realities of aging, the lyrics offer a surprisingly nuanced take on enduring relationships. The couple still calls each other "baby" and re-do their "I do," suggesting a persistent, if redefined, bond. The final image of the woman, in her "90-inch tomb," being the one "who sees through" implies a deeper understanding that transcends the physical and the initial deceptions, making the long-term connection feel both real and complex.