He starts getting severely distressed by this, and is "in tatters thinkin' about her" and what she's doing with other guys. Here, the man is saying what he honestly wants to ask her: once she goes through with it and sleeps around with other guys, will she still be the same person who loves him the same? He asks this because he knows he's ultimately gonna be emotionally wounded from the experience ("built to fall").Īgain, he's trying to remind himself that he's only uncomfortable and insecure about the open relationship because of his preconceptions on the intimacy of sex. It's gnawing at him that he's trying to be comfortable with a situation that he didn't want to be in in the first place, but he's trying his best to embrace the change in his relationship, for her sake ("I'll be shakin' it"), while trying to put on a face for her so she needn't worry ("Cause I'm a young man after all"). Here, "the world" is his mental and emotional health. He then proceeds to tell her that she can do what she wants ("fly to East LA") and have her fun, but that she's always on his mind. He also points out that even with healthy casual sex in their relationship, rainy days will still be a part of their relationship. He explains why his perspective on sex is the way it is, saying that he never hopped on the "casual sex bandwagon" that is prevalent in metro areas, such as NYC. "I missed that train, New York city - it rains! He doesn't understand why she's wanting this change when he's shown her so much love, and feels a little betrayed.
He's desperately trying to change his perspective on it for the sake of his girlfriend and their relationship, but finds himself arguing his stance on it (ineffectively) with his S.O. The man is struggling to reconcile with his insecurities of sex and what it means in a relationship. He feels insecure about it and is trying to tell himself that it's just a matter of perspective and that sex doesn't really matter in terms of love/affection sex doesn't equal love. The song starts off with the man trying to accept the idea of opening up the relationship to other sexual partners. Let's break it down (WARNING: Long and very detailed): (the one who suggested the open/poly relationship) is a woman (girlfriend).
For the purposes of this interpretation, we'll assume this person is a man and his S.O. With this setting, I think this song is sung from the perspective of the other person, the one who did NOT suggest this open/polyamorous arrangement, and who is clearly conflicted/upset about it. The one who suggested this change may be seeking sexual exploration/experimentation, or even just seeing who else is out there and willing to be in a potentially better relationship than the one they are already in. initiate an open or, perhaps, polyamorous relationship.
I think this song is about a couple who've been together for a while, when suddenly one of them decides that they want to "experiment", i.e. It's a stretch, but bare with me if you please. My InterpretationHere's MY interpretation of this song, as it relates to my current situation, specifically my relationship with my girlfriend. I missed that train, New York City, it rainsĪnd when the seasons change, will you stand by me?