It's about conflict and resolution, but the resolution only succeeds on a small scale, like a drug that treats a symptom but not the disease. In this case the disease is inequality in society. The characters in the song have a disagreement. It takes all day, but they eventually work it out and get over their hurt feelings. However, the last couple lines of the song seem to say that it doesn't change the big picture: the fish swim on like they always have, oblivious to the newly attained understanding and healing of mere individuals. Likewise, society, with all its myriad forms of inequality, won't be any less screwed up just because of some personal enlightenment, or epiphany, or decision to do good. Harsh!
It's about conflict and resolution, but the resolution only succeeds on a small scale, like a drug that treats a symptom but not the disease. In this case the disease is inequality in society. The characters in the song have a disagreement. It takes all day, but they eventually work it out and get over their hurt feelings. However, the last couple lines of the song seem to say that it doesn't change the big picture: the fish swim on like they always have, oblivious to the newly attained understanding and healing of mere individuals. Likewise, society, with all its myriad forms of inequality, won't be any less screwed up just because of some personal enlightenment, or epiphany, or decision to do good. Harsh!