I interpret this song as being about a cheating husband who finally comes clean.
Verse 1: His mother-in-law thinks he's a great guy, but he knows that it's not true. That being with him is a grave mistake, because he knows that he ultimately will betray her.
Verse 2: He cheats on his wife. He compares himself to a weatherman because he knows what is going to happen, but he feels powerless to stop it.
Verse 3: The cycle repeats again and again. He never makes progress until...
Verse 4: He finally decides to come clean to "tell on" his addiction, no matter the price. While others have interpreted "drop a caribou" as using a payphone, I interpret it more generally as paying a small price. His wife forgives him, he ends up paying for his sins far less than he deserved or expected to.
Verse 5: The man scolds his addiction before he leaves it out in the cold, finally kicking the habit. The chorus is now fulfilled. His addiction was a long time running. Its end was a long time coming. It was well worth the wait.
I interpret this song as being about a cheating husband who finally comes clean.
Verse 1: His mother-in-law thinks he's a great guy, but he knows that it's not true. That being with him is a grave mistake, because he knows that he ultimately will betray her.
Verse 2: He cheats on his wife. He compares himself to a weatherman because he knows what is going to happen, but he feels powerless to stop it.
Verse 3: The cycle repeats again and again. He never makes progress until...
Verse 4: He finally decides to come clean to "tell on" his addiction, no matter the price. While others have interpreted "drop a caribou" as using a payphone, I interpret it more generally as paying a small price. His wife forgives him, he ends up paying for his sins far less than he deserved or expected to.
Verse 5: The man scolds his addiction before he leaves it out in the cold, finally kicking the habit. The chorus is now fulfilled. His addiction was a long time running. Its end was a long time coming. It was well worth the wait.