Opposites Attract Part 2

Song Meaning

Steve Vai's "Opposites Attract Part 2" isn't just a simple declaration of romantic magnetism; it's a complex exploration of desire that acknowledges inherent differences. The opening lines, thick with pop-cultural references, immediately set a tone of playful hyperbole. If the Devil's in Prada and all dogs ascend, then this connection defies logic, fueled by something more primal than shared experience. The singer isn't seeking a mirror image; he's drawn to the otherness, confessing, "baby you got, you got, you got, you got me open." This isn't just vulnerability; it's an admission of being unlocked, of having barriers dissolved by an external force. The repetition emphasizes the feeling of being utterly exposed and receptive. It's a bold statement. The chorus grounds the fantastical elements with a streetwise aphorism: "It ain't what city you're from, it's where you're at." This isn't about backgrounds or origins; it's about the present moment, the tangible connection in shared space. The lyrics suggest a merging of disparate trajectories. One works mornings, the other nights. This isn't presented as an obstacle, but as a challenge to "find the time," to carve out space for connection amidst conflicting schedules. The singer acknowledges discord, admitting, "We won't always get along, but you can still come along for the ride." This isn't a naive promise of seamless harmony, but a realistic acceptance of friction as part of the journey. Ultimately, "Opposites Attract Part 2" hinges on the tension between resisting and surrendering. The lines "And I know we're from different worlds but I just don't know how to resist/I can't resist, the way it feels" reveal a struggle against the pull of this magnetic connection. It's a battle between logic and raw, visceral sensation. The fear of being "a player in a game that I can't win" suggests a past history of failed connections, of trying to force compatibility where it doesn't naturally exist. Yet, despite the potential for heartbreak, the singer chooses to lean in, to embrace the unknown. The repetition of "opposites attract" at the song's close isn't just a catchy hook; it's a mantra, a declaration of faith in the power of difference to create something new.