I think the meaning is pretty clear. This person got really burned in a previous relationship, and because of this is unable to love and show care in his present one, even though he so badly wants to. It's lovely song, and very sad. You can really feel how defeated and frustrated he is with himself.
All in the golden afternoon full leisurely we glide
For both our oars, with little skill, by little arms are plied
While little hands make vain pretence our wanderings to guide
Ah, cruel three! in such an hour beneath such dreamy wheather
To beg a tale of breath too weak to stir the tiniest feather
And what can one poor voice avail against three tongues together
Anon, to sudden silence won, in fancy they pursue
The dream child moving through a land of wonders wild and new
In friendly chat with bird or beast- and half believe it true
And ever as the story drained the wells of fancy dry and faintly strove that weary one to put the subject by
The next time. it is next time the happy voices cry
Thus grew the tale of wonderland, thus slowly, one by one
It's quaint events were hammered out
And now the tale is done and home we steer
A merry crew
Beneath the setting sun
For both our oars, with little skill, by little arms are plied
While little hands make vain pretence our wanderings to guide
Ah, cruel three! in such an hour beneath such dreamy wheather
To beg a tale of breath too weak to stir the tiniest feather
And what can one poor voice avail against three tongues together
Anon, to sudden silence won, in fancy they pursue
The dream child moving through a land of wonders wild and new
In friendly chat with bird or beast- and half believe it true
And ever as the story drained the wells of fancy dry and faintly strove that weary one to put the subject by
The next time. it is next time the happy voices cry
Thus grew the tale of wonderland, thus slowly, one by one
It's quaint events were hammered out
And now the tale is done and home we steer
A merry crew
Beneath the setting sun
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings

Another Love
Tom Odell
Tom Odell

Indigo
Of Mice & Men
Of Mice & Men
This track is about is about questioning why the sky would choose to be blue if it had the choice to be anything else, “blue also meaning sad,” states frontman Aaron Pauley. “It's about comforting a loved one in a time of loss by telling them you feel blue, too.”

Better Than Feeling Lonely
Olivia O'Brien
Olivia O'Brien
This standalone single is the latest in the artiste's album run out. It was produced by Rogét Chahayed, Taylor Dexter & Wesley Singerman, and released via major streaming platforms on January 1, 2021.

Up 2020
Uncle Murda
Uncle Murda
This standout song of the rapper's latest studio album titled "Don’t Come Outside, Vol. 3" was produced by Great John. The track was released via major streaming platforms on January 1, 2021.

2021
Lauv
Lauv
This standalone single by Lauv marks the end of the year 2020. The track was produced by Jamil “Digi” Chammas & Lauv, being released via major streaming platforms on December 31, 2020.