I hear this as a guy talking to a long-time friend (since high school) he's developed feelings for. It seems like he's really important in her life (she sent him a pile of letters), but he wants her to be upfront about whether she sees him as a romantic interest or just a friend. Eventually, after accidentally seeing her partially undressed, he just blurts out his feelings.
Even though I love this song, I find the narrator kind of unsympathetic. He seems to want Elizabeth to make the first move, he's a little contemptuous of her and her obvious affection --romantic or otherwise --for him, and when he does make his move, it's not exactly the most romantic of confessions ("why didn't you let me hit that back in our school days?") But maybe that's part of what makes it a good song. It's definitely true to a certain age and mindset.
The overall narrative reminds me of "Come on Eileen" which has a similar theme.
I hear this as a guy talking to a long-time friend (since high school) he's developed feelings for. It seems like he's really important in her life (she sent him a pile of letters), but he wants her to be upfront about whether she sees him as a romantic interest or just a friend. Eventually, after accidentally seeing her partially undressed, he just blurts out his feelings.
Even though I love this song, I find the narrator kind of unsympathetic. He seems to want Elizabeth to make the first move, he's a little contemptuous of her and her obvious affection --romantic or otherwise --for him, and when he does make his move, it's not exactly the most romantic of confessions ("why didn't you let me hit that back in our school days?") But maybe that's part of what makes it a good song. It's definitely true to a certain age and mindset.
The overall narrative reminds me of "Come on Eileen" which has a similar theme.