Thinking

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of two people, Di Rossi and Leona, caught in a conversational loop of "thinking." Di Rossi seems to be trying to set a romantic mood, referencing Puccini and a "lovely evening," but Leona consistently deflects, focusing on practicalities or the potential for disappointment. The contrast between Di Rossi's idealized vision and Leona's grounded, even cynical, perspective creates an immediate tension. The central conflict lies in their differing approaches to connection and expectation. Di Rossi yearns for a shared, romantic experience, envisioning "coffee cups clinking" and "two of us linking arms." Leona, however, seems wary, her thoughts drifting to "the end" or mundane concerns like "the spot on my shirt" and "what am I going to wear?" This suggests a fundamental disconnect in how they perceive intimacy and the potential outcomes of their interaction. The most striking craft element is the pervasive repetition of "I was thinking," which becomes a verbal tic highlighting their internal preoccupations rather than genuine communication. This phrase, initially used to introduce an idea, transforms into a barrier. Di Rossi’s attempt to shift the focus with "But think of coffee cups clinking" is met with Leona's abrupt "Forget!" and her own practical, almost dismissive, thoughts. Ultimately, the lyrics are effective because they capture the awkwardness and miscommunication that can plague nascent relationships. The mundane details Leona fixates on – a spot on a shirt, what to wear – ground the scene in a relatable reality, making Di Rossi's grand romantic gestures feel increasingly out of sync. The final shared realization that they are "thinking / Not what I'm thinking / At all!" underscores the futility of their current mental states and the failed attempt at connection.