Nice interpretation johnschrom. In my opinion, this song is written from the perspective of the 10 year old girl, who receives a visit from herself as a hard-hearted young adult. They "trade hearts" for the night so the younger "self" can see the pain she's about to feel, and the young girl ends up never dating the guy (just my speculation, mostly because forgiveness isn't usually described as "getting even".) That's why they're "finally even," -- because the relationship never happens and the girl doesn't end up hurt and angry.
Nice interpretation johnschrom. In my opinion, this song is written from the perspective of the 10 year old girl, who receives a visit from herself as a hard-hearted young adult. They "trade hearts" for the night so the younger "self" can see the pain she's about to feel, and the young girl ends up never dating the guy (just my speculation, mostly because forgiveness isn't usually described as "getting even".) That's why they're "finally even," -- because the relationship never happens and the girl doesn't end up hurt and angry.