foldsbaldwin and musicislife have it right. The way I see it is Claire's parents are trying to give her "the gift" of them being together on her birthday, but it has "gone wrong on her birthday".
I like the last verse: "Here's the check; they pay with two cards like they've never met. Goodbyes. Outside, it's cold in L.A."
I'm not sure, but I think this means that Claire is going to live with or visit the other parent in Los Angeles. "It's cold in L.A." is just saying she's going to have to adapt to a new environment.
foldsbaldwin and musicislife have it right. The way I see it is Claire's parents are trying to give her "the gift" of them being together on her birthday, but it has "gone wrong on her birthday".
I like the last verse: "Here's the check; they pay with two cards like they've never met. Goodbyes. Outside, it's cold in L.A."
I'm not sure, but I think this means that Claire is going to live with or visit the other parent in Los Angeles. "It's cold in L.A." is just saying she's going to have to adapt to a new environment.