Given Bob's background as a teacher, I've always thought (like many of you) that Smothered in Hugs was inspired by that part of his history. In my interpretation, a new teacher comes to the school where he teaches & he sees a kindred spirit in his fellow teacher. They become great friends. Then his friend loses his/her teaching position due to a disagreement with the faculty or principal. Like Robin Williams' students in Dead Poets' Society, Bob feels this person was a wonderful teacher & role model ("you can teach me all you know") and didn't deserve to be punished, but rather to be commended. One of my favorite GbV songs ever.
Given Bob's background as a teacher, I've always thought (like many of you) that Smothered in Hugs was inspired by that part of his history. In my interpretation, a new teacher comes to the school where he teaches & he sees a kindred spirit in his fellow teacher. They become great friends. Then his friend loses his/her teaching position due to a disagreement with the faculty or principal. Like Robin Williams' students in Dead Poets' Society, Bob feels this person was a wonderful teacher & role model ("you can teach me all you know") and didn't deserve to be punished, but rather to be commended. One of my favorite GbV songs ever.