Bite The Bullet/The Chase Is Better Than The Catch [David Jensen Show, October 6, 1981]

Song Meaning

The first part of this track, "Bite The Bullet," paints a picture of a definitive, albeit hazy, departure. The narrator is stepping out, leaving a relationship behind with a sense of finality, even if the specifics of the farewell note are forgotten. There's a weariness in the repetition of "Enough's enough," suggesting this isn't a sudden impulse but a long-brewing decision. The act of leaving is framed as a necessary, albeit painful, step, encapsulated by the phrase "Bite The Bullet, I'm leaving you." This resolve, however, seems to be met with a familiar pattern of seeking comfort from friends, a cycle the narrator observes with a detached resignation. The lyrics suggest a recurring theme of relationship endings, where the immediate aftermath involves leaning on a support system. The narrator seems to acknowledge this predictable outcome, stating, "Seems there's nothing, nothing else to do," before reiterating the decision to leave. "The Chase Is Better Than The Catch" shifts gears dramatically, presenting a persona who revels in the pursuit rather than the conquest. This narrator embraces a "bad reputation," finding satisfaction in the acquisition itself, not necessarily the lasting connection. The repeated refrain, "The Chase Is Better Than The Catch," underscores a philosophy of fleeting encounters and the thrill of the pursuit. The lyrics suggest a player who enjoys the game, treating partners with a superficial respect while prioritizing the excitement of the chase. The latter half of "The Chase Is Better Than The Catch" becomes more explicit, detailing a desire for immediate physical gratification. Despite declarations of "love," the focus remains on the physical act, with the narrator expressing a clear preference for the thrill of seduction over any deeper emotional entanglement. The repeated invitations and the emphasis on "getting you in the sack" highlight a persona driven by immediate desire and the excitement of the chase, where the ultimate goal is the act of winning, not the relationship itself.