Little Hands

the ending part of the song is the most powerful. there's just something sad about his hope for something more. I think Duncan portrayed that excellently in the way he delivered the vocals :

Little hands, open smile I'm glad we got to talk for a while I feel O.K. yeah I'm feeling better I'll let it go but I'll never say never It's O.K. yeah, it's O.K.

He's in love with this girl but she's always been with someone else so he's waited patiently, all the while being a good friend to her only to have her say that she doesn't think of him as more than a friend.

I love the lines "her indifference fills the room" and "Oh well, can't blame a guy for trying" and anything when he's singing from her point of view.

But does anyone know what he's talking about in the first verse? What sweet perversion? Why's it on the telephone line? If they're on the telephone, then how are there too many ppl?

I am convinced that Duncan is writing about being an intellectual whore (see the Ladder Theory in Google for a better explanation). This is someone who is essentially wanted for his shoulder to cry on, but not much else. My guess is that poor Mr. Sheik has done his time in that capacity (he wasn't always cool, was he?)

Women who do this to men often understand her 'partner's' expectations but purposely steer the relationship away from anything that might become romantic while taking advantage of the attention given. At least in this instance, the woman does tell him like it is, ie, 'You're a great friend'...

Basically, if a guy hears, "But... You're a good friend..." it's the kiss of death for the hope of any kind of sexual relationship.

I'm going to try and break down this song... one of my favorites...

Some sweet perversion On the telephone line I've been waiting for such a very long time For her to be free The evening was nice But there were too many people And all my thoughts so depraved and evil Oh lord what would she say

— He's had his eye and heart set on her for sometime. She's just out of a relationship — a bit broken, and usually not available to go out with him, especially just by herself. Finally, he get's to go out with her, but it's someplace with enough people around, he feels like he can never make his move and tell her how he feels and try and win her over. He just wishes everyone would go away, even if that means they would die. And then he sees an opportunity to tell her how he feels.

(she says) I'm afraid it's not to be You're a sweet guy but you ain't for me I live my life in a different way You know those things you're thinking Are a big mistake

— After he declares his desire/love for her, she tried to let him down gently. ‘Aw thanks, but I think we should just be friends’ She just doesn’t see him like that.

We stayed out late 'til morning came I said "I'll take you home If its all the same" Her indifference fills the room Some weak seduction on the morning after How it slays me every time I touch her But she just wants to sleep

— Later, and after many drinks, he again tries to make his move. This time, she seems to acquiesce. There is no desire in going home with him. Simply a means to an end. He tries to seduce her and she, again, rebuffs him.

(she says:) How long 'til you understand The last thing that I need is another man Didn't you promise to give it a rest Right now I need a lover Like a hole, like a hole in the head

— She’s starting to put her foot down. ‘Can’t you just be my friend?! I’m so tired of guys trying to sleep with me. The break up is still fresh and the last thing I need is someone who’s supposed to my friend try and take advantage of me. Give it a rest already.’

Oh well, can't blame a guy for tryin' And I'm smiling even though I'm dying To know the love she says will never be

— He tries to play it off and also apologize — If he sincerely loves her, he’s gone about this the wrong way and knows it. If he’s a wolf in sheeps clothing, he’s decided to throw in the towel … for now.

One last conversation in the crowded bar And even thought the music is louder by far I hear every word she says

(she says) Don't take it bad don't worry about it You're a friend of mine and there's no way around it Sometimes you there early sometimes you get there late But even if you had a chance you never knew the game

Little hands, open smile I'm glad we got to talk for a while I feel O.K. yeah I'm feeling better I'll let it go but I'll never say never It's O.K. yeah, it's O.K.

— The meet up again, after their last encounter, but haven’t talked about that night, until now. She, again, tried to let him down gently, while explaining it was never, could never happen between them. Even if she was emotionally, physically or mentally available, she would never want to be with him. They’re just friends and he needs to accept this. He looks at her small hands folded in front of her, with a sincere smile on her face. He tells 'No no no, I get it. I'm sorry. No problem.' But he lies. Because he’s never going to close that door. If he loves her, he says to himself he’ll wait, she'll come around. If he he simply desires to sleep with her, he’s saying ‘There’s always a chance things could change.’

More than likely, this song was written while Duncan was in college. It has that vibe of misplaced desire or affection. The awkwardness that follows some from high school and into their first experiences of adulthood. It is not a flattering portrait, but these encounters seldom are. In the time of the #metoo movement, the song comes off extra dark and sinister — even if the protagonist is at his most sincere.