Song Meaning
The narrator draws a hard line, refusing to tolerate disrespect or being devalued. They frame a specific confrontation as a predictable outcome of being pushed too far. The repeated phrase, "What did you expect?" underscores a sense of inevitability about the conflict that arose from the other person's actions.
This isn't just a fleeting moment of anger; it's a declaration of boundaries. The narrator explicitly states, "I Will not be deceived!" and asserts ownership over what is theirs, "You cannot take / What belongs to me!" This suggests a history of being taken advantage of, leading to this firm stance.
The lyrics juxtapose seemingly mundane or innocent starting points – "Polliwog Park," "Basement of the Church" – with a more definitive, perhaps confrontational, ending in "St. Andrews." This contrast highlights how a situation escalated, culminating in the stark realization that "Feelings are meant to be hurt!" The repetition of this line acts as a defiant, almost resigned, acceptance of the painful consequences of this conflict.
The overall effect is one of a person reclaiming their agency after being wronged. The specific locations, while perhaps holding personal significance, serve to ground the emotional arc in a tangible progression, making the final, sharp pronouncement feel earned and impactful.