I think that all the interpretations of this song sound pretty accurate, of course our readings relate to our own experiences. So, I'd like to add that its about falling in love ("a single word") when you've already lost most of your trust in others--particularly in the way of love: something abstract and often only understood in terms of cliches. After all, love is both one of the most cliche and powerful ideas that's dominated literature, film, art, and music for centuries. "It's hard to learn" when we all have numerous preconceptions about relationships. "But I'm tired of hope with nothing to hold:" Love's immaterial, yet our culture is obsessed with material goods and instant gratification. Why do 'love' and 'nothing' relate? Because when we're desensitized to something, or overrun with an abstract idea, it can mean absolutely nothing--like violence in a gangster movie. The real question that this song asks is: should I eat cliches up like a sixteen year old girl and hope for the best-- or fight the feeling until I'm sure its really there. Just like centuries of blind lovers--everyone loves acting like a sixteen year old girl.
I think that all the interpretations of this song sound pretty accurate, of course our readings relate to our own experiences. So, I'd like to add that its about falling in love ("a single word") when you've already lost most of your trust in others--particularly in the way of love: something abstract and often only understood in terms of cliches. After all, love is both one of the most cliche and powerful ideas that's dominated literature, film, art, and music for centuries. "It's hard to learn" when we all have numerous preconceptions about relationships. "But I'm tired of hope with nothing to hold:" Love's immaterial, yet our culture is obsessed with material goods and instant gratification. Why do 'love' and 'nothing' relate? Because when we're desensitized to something, or overrun with an abstract idea, it can mean absolutely nothing--like violence in a gangster movie. The real question that this song asks is: should I eat cliches up like a sixteen year old girl and hope for the best-- or fight the feeling until I'm sure its really there. Just like centuries of blind lovers--everyone loves acting like a sixteen year old girl.