Billy has a tinge and tone of The SUNDAYS' Harriet Wheeler in her voice. The album Reading Writing Arithmetic is a mini classic 1990. It's what hooked me when first heard this tune. The SUNDAYS worth a some eartime.
some people pointed out the beginning has the same backing melody as this croatian song... ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-bSOiuvHqIx4.html
This is definitely a “ breakup song “ hidden by an upbeat tempo. “I want you to stay." (Her partner is leaving her.) “Can't change the weather (being dumped) might not be forever (unsure of the relationship where it’s heading) But if it's forever, it's even better.” (I am hopeful that he might change his mind.) “And I don't know what I'm crying for. I don't think I could love you more.” (realizing why she’s wasting all her tears; she had given all for him.) “It might not be long, but, baby, I don't want to say goodbye." (She's having a hard time letting go of the relationship, but she’s at the very end.) “ You’re so full of shit!” (Bittersweet feeling) That’s a give away! Lastly, “I knew you in another life. You had that same look in your eyes. I love you; don't act so surprised.” (She’s deeply obsessed with him, believing that there is that soul connection that can’t be separated.) Have you noticed that high note she’s belting at the very end of the song? Does it sound like a weeping violin? 😉 If you have not experienced giving your unconditional love to someone special for the first time, you have not truly scratched the true meaning of her song.
""You don't see it. Your mind's polluted. Say you wanna quit, but don't be stupid." A total back and forth between the two loves. Her great ability to foresee a greater love, while he is flawed (unable to see it) due to his mind's inability to connect with his heart.
Personally for me, the song is slightly one sided love affair. Human psychology study said that obsession from someone we love is an effect of other person not giving enough of attention to you and we tend give more of our love so the other will reciprocate. That obsession starts from filling in that empty space that the other person is lacking. (Pulling away, bread crumbing etc) thus her lyrics mentioned about her partner that is full of shit... She can't give more love, but her obsession to that fantasy that her partner will reciprocate. Sometimes love can be that physically close, but mentally distant. Talking about death to stay till the end and doesn't want to be revived if her lover won't be there to stay is a form of obsession. This is how I felt 30 years ago meeting my 1st love, then she broke up with me. I went no contact for 4 years. (Long story) The when I met my 3rd GF and became my wife. I did not feel this obsession feeling like my 1st love. Our love came smoothly as a butter. Just like Streisand song, LoVe soft as an easy chair. No obsession at all.
