Lyric discussion by Gena 

Cover art for #41 lyrics by Dave Matthews Band

It's about love gone sour.

As for the title "Skinny Love" it could be an affectionate term he gave his petite girlfriend, or maby the fact that their love is wasting away- shrinking to skinny. The latter is probably more likely, due to the reference in the first line ("Come on, skinny love just last the year").

"pour a little salt, we were never here" Salt has healing properties, when put on open wound they help the process along. Probably metaphorically speaking, he wants this doomed relationship to heal, to even "Just last the year." I like the vivid imagery to blood and crushed veneer in a sink, as if a vase was broken in a fit of rage. I dunno if that ties into the salt reference, maby indirectly.

he then basically tells her to let him go, to cut off the tethers binding him to her.

the third stanza deals wih a blaming the other for the failure of the relationship. She couldn't meet with his expectations, either that or she treated him poorly, probably both.

stanza four seems like a mixture of memories, stating why have we gone wrong when we once loved each other? and how even though the burden of pain (through separating) is heavy, it's still hard to "split."

The last part gives us a glimse as to WHY it went sour. it seems she kind of led him on, that she wasn't that into him- when he really cared for her.

He then states that its unlikely she'll find anyone worthwhile, no one will be able to love her for all the stuff she puts her partners through.

wonderfully honest and emotional, i love this song.

[Edit: 01/01/1967]

i could be wrong but this is the way i interpret it. i have been listening to this son for 10 years, and today it all just seemed to make sense, especially when u consider that he says things that dont normally make sense like"i will bring water" i think this song is about a love and about his life being out of control.

1st verse - "Come and see..." hes saying that time cures all ills, but more problems are coming

2nd verse - " i will go in this way..." he's gonna do things his...

  • he wont pass by this opportunity to be with her
  • what sort of man wlaks by? doesnt take this opportunity?
  • i will bring you water (implying that she's thirsty for some one to care about her and he will bring her that water and not walk by)
  • he wants her to be glad
  • he cant figure out why " it melts into wonder"
  • he came into the ralationship "praying for her" hoping to help her to not be sad
  • he wants her to run in the rain and play (what little kids do when they have fun)
  • and let all the tears wash away "let tears splash all over you"
  • Not Valid