Song Meaning
The lyrics open with a weary acknowledgment: "The cost of loving's on the line again." It immediately sets a scene of recurring emotional risk, a familiar dilemma the speaker faces. There's a sense of exasperation, a feeling that this struggle is nothing new.
This tension deepens with the admission that "the feelings coming back / Guess it always will," suggesting an inevitable pull towards connection despite past hurts. The speaker seems to grapple with a cycle: recognizing the pain yet unable to escape the magnetic force of intimacy. It's a push-pull between self-preservation and an inherent desire for connection.
What truly elevates these lyrics is the striking use of economic and moral language to describe emotional exchange. Phrases like "black market on the side" and "starving those who we feed" paint a stark picture. This isn't just about heartbreak; it's about a perceived imbalance or even exploitation within relationships, where we might "take more than we need," perhaps inadvertently harming those we claim to nurture. This unexpected imagery forces a re-evaluation of how we give and receive love.
Ultimately, the lyrics resonate because they articulate a complex truth: love often comes with a steep price, yet the human spirit persistently seeks it out. The shift from a resigned "that just won't do" to a hopeful "I've faith in me and you" captures this enduring optimism. It acknowledges the difficulty, the past mistakes, and the potential for unfairness, but still insists on the possibility of doing "more right than wrong," refusing to wait for a "brighter day." This blend of clear-eyed realism and stubborn hope makes the emotional impact profound.
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