In my humble opinion, in terms of the lyrics, this is one of the most well written songs on Everything Now.
The author is reflecting on the deep-set, seemingly irreconcilable problems within his relationship. Although their attitudes towards life and popular culture are different, they are drawn together by an ineffable, existential connection. Rather than feel love is achievable elsewhere, they have previously convinced each other that sustainable love is irreconcilable ("we don't deserve love")
At the start of the song, the author is lost in a quagmire of popular culture. He seeks spiritual solace and fulfillment through television and music and is frustrated by his partner who sees little value in such things.
The relationship, and the author's own self-awareness, leads to deep melancholy, which he tries to stem through alcohol and (possibly) drug use.
As the song concludes, he realises that love isn't unachievable, it's simply the fact that his partner has deep-seated issues that she isn't prepared to acknowledge or resolve - "you tried to figure it out, you never figured it out".
It appears his partners' parents were constantly arguing during her formative years, which leads her to think that relationships are forever irreconcilable. This is reinforced by her religious beliefs, whereupon Mary Magdalane fruitlessly pursues Christ.
He concludes the song by encouraging her to realise the difference between fatalistic romanticism and a sustainable relationship and commit to what they have together; but we're treated to a sense that he suspects this may never happen.
In my humble opinion, in terms of the lyrics, this is one of the most well written songs on Everything Now.
The author is reflecting on the deep-set, seemingly irreconcilable problems within his relationship. Although their attitudes towards life and popular culture are different, they are drawn together by an ineffable, existential connection. Rather than feel love is achievable elsewhere, they have previously convinced each other that sustainable love is irreconcilable ("we don't deserve love")
At the start of the song, the author is lost in a quagmire of popular culture. He seeks spiritual solace and fulfillment through television and music and is frustrated by his partner who sees little value in such things.
The relationship, and the author's own self-awareness, leads to deep melancholy, which he tries to stem through alcohol and (possibly) drug use.
As the song concludes, he realises that love isn't unachievable, it's simply the fact that his partner has deep-seated issues that she isn't prepared to acknowledge or resolve - "you tried to figure it out, you never figured it out".
It appears his partners' parents were constantly arguing during her formative years, which leads her to think that relationships are forever irreconcilable. This is reinforced by her religious beliefs, whereupon Mary Magdalane fruitlessly pursues Christ.
He concludes the song by encouraging her to realise the difference between fatalistic romanticism and a sustainable relationship and commit to what they have together; but we're treated to a sense that he suspects this may never happen.