In the dimly lit corners of a bustling bar, Tom Waits spins a tale of romantic hesitation and unintended affection. As the evening unfurls, he finds himself drawn to a stranger, wrestling with his fears of heartache. Each verse delicately dances between desire and restraint, capturing that universal moment of vulnerability when one teeters on the edge of falling in love. The song's narrative arc mirrors a classic romantic misadventure—initial resistance followed by an inevitable surrender to emotion. In the end, as the bar empties and loneliness echoes louder than the fading music, Waits confronts the irony of his earlier resolve; he has tumbled into the very feeling he hoped to evade. This poignant ballad is a tender exploration of love's unpredictable nature and our own sometimes futile attempts to guard our hearts.
