It's easy to understand the meaning of this song but difficult to grasp its scope. In my opinion, the singer left a love not for reasons such as a breakup, but merely for a career or opportunity. He lives overseas and travels frequently ("Sixes and sevens, we live on jet planes" is a reference to the Boeing 767) and is surrounded by many friendly people, but none that he feels connected to (like businesspeople, or fans.) Now he wonders whether he would have been happier leading a simple life with the girl he loved. The last chorus shows while he can wonder all he wants, too much time has passed; there is no redemption (I lose your hand through the waves.)
It is very possible to love someone and for no reason other than distance for things not to work out. Think of people who were your friends at college or a job who you don't see anymore. Most of the time you don't keep in touch and even if you do you haven't much to say. It's the shared, everyday experiences that fuel love or friendship; without them even strong feelings gradually fade away. That is what this song is about.
It's easy to understand the meaning of this song but difficult to grasp its scope. In my opinion, the singer left a love not for reasons such as a breakup, but merely for a career or opportunity. He lives overseas and travels frequently ("Sixes and sevens, we live on jet planes" is a reference to the Boeing 767) and is surrounded by many friendly people, but none that he feels connected to (like businesspeople, or fans.) Now he wonders whether he would have been happier leading a simple life with the girl he loved. The last chorus shows while he can wonder all he wants, too much time has passed; there is no redemption (I lose your hand through the waves.)
It is very possible to love someone and for no reason other than distance for things not to work out. Think of people who were your friends at college or a job who you don't see anymore. Most of the time you don't keep in touch and even if you do you haven't much to say. It's the shared, everyday experiences that fuel love or friendship; without them even strong feelings gradually fade away. That is what this song is about.