I think the song is talking about how people fall ass-backward into marriage. People sometimes get married simply because they have spent "x" amount of years together and not necessarily for love.
"Set a date, you know exactly how I feel" is more like a dare than a profession of love. Both try to look for ways out, because they are too young "to be locked" into a marriage.
When he says his girl is "in love with someone else", I think he's talking about the girl being in love with her version of him, how she wants him to be, and not how he really is. And not his true nature. At least the way he knows himself to be, the side he hasn't shown her.
But, after enough time with her, he's changed, and he's softened on the idea of going through with it "I had my doubts little girl", "I'm in love with something real", he didn't need a piece of paper (marriage licensee) to be together, but "It could be me, that's changing" she wore him down and he's conceded to her desire of making it official and getting married.
So, in the past he, well really they both make excuses, or look for reasons why they shouldn't, "take time, look for somebody else."
But, they "pass a line" they come to a point in the relationship where it's either marry or break up, they get hitched because it's easier than breaking up.
And maybe they will eventually fall in love, realistically they go old together, if they live long enough to be one of the old couples walking around together in a park, "seasoned with health."
I think the song is talking about how people fall ass-backward into marriage. People sometimes get married simply because they have spent "x" amount of years together and not necessarily for love. "Set a date, you know exactly how I feel" is more like a dare than a profession of love. Both try to look for ways out, because they are too young "to be locked" into a marriage. When he says his girl is "in love with someone else", I think he's talking about the girl being in love with her version of him, how she wants him to be, and not how he really is. And not his true nature. At least the way he knows himself to be, the side he hasn't shown her. But, after enough time with her, he's changed, and he's softened on the idea of going through with it "I had my doubts little girl", "I'm in love with something real", he didn't need a piece of paper (marriage licensee) to be together, but "It could be me, that's changing" she wore him down and he's conceded to her desire of making it official and getting married. So, in the past he, well really they both make excuses, or look for reasons why they shouldn't, "take time, look for somebody else." But, they "pass a line" they come to a point in the relationship where it's either marry or break up, they get hitched because it's easier than breaking up. And maybe they will eventually fall in love, realistically they go old together, if they live long enough to be one of the old couples walking around together in a park, "seasoned with health."
Anyway, that's the way I picture it.
@Imsoglad I've loved this song sings Antics came out but have never had anyone put it's meaning down so succintly. You, my friend, rock.
@Imsoglad I've loved this song sings Antics came out but have never had anyone put it's meaning down so succintly. You, my friend, rock.