Was That the Human Thing To Do

Song Meaning

The narrator grapples with profound betrayal, questioning the very nature of humanity after experiencing deep unkindness. The opening lines establish a shock at the cruelty inflicted, setting a tone of disbelief and hurt. The repeated question, "Was that the human thing to do?" serves as a constant refrain, highlighting the narrator's struggle to reconcile the actions with any sense of decency or empathy. The core tension lies in the contrast between the narrator's initial perception of the other person and the harsh reality of their actions. They believed this person had a "heart of gold," only to be "sold" on false promises and then subjected to emotional coldness. This shift from idealized affection to utter disregard creates a powerful sense of disillusionment and pain. The lyrics employ stark imagery to convey the depth of the mistreatment. The narrator states they wouldn't even "treat a pup" with such disdain, emphasizing the sub-human level of cruelty they endured. The idea of being left "cryin' there" after being intentionally led to care underscores a calculated and callous manipulation. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their directness and the raw emotional vulnerability they express. The narrator’s plea for understanding, juxtaposed with the memory of the other person’s dismissive words about "err is human," powerfully articulates the feeling of being wronged. The repeated, almost desperate, questioning drives home the profound sense of injustice and the narrator's search for an answer that may never come.