The song expresses deep feelings of love and longing.
It revolves around themes of comparison, regret, and the complexity of relationships.
Key Themes
1. Comparison
Perfection vs. Second Best: The narrator reflects on the challenge of moving on after experiencing a perfect love.
Imagery: The apple hanging from a tree symbolizes the ideal choice that was made.
2. Longing for the Past
Despite being with someone new, thoughts of a past love persist.
Refrain: "Thinking of you" emphasizes the narrator's inability to fully engage in the present relationship.
3. Emotional Struggles
Conflicted Feelings: The narrator feels disgusted with themselves for moving on while still thinking of the past love.
Fish in the Water Metaphor: Suggests hope and possibility of finding someone new, but highlights the difficulty of doing so when still emotionally tied to someone else.
4. Regret and Lessons Learned
Reflection on Choices: Acknowledges regret for letting go of something precious.
Growth: The experience has taught valuable lessons about love and relationships.
Imagery and Symbolism
Indian Summer: Represents warmth and comfort in a cold time, referring to the past love.
Hard Candy with a Surprise Center: Suggests unexpected depth or hidden qualities in a seemingly simple or sweet situation.
Conclusion
The song encapsulates the bittersweet nature of love and the struggles of moving on while still yearning for what once was.
The desire for closure and resolution is evident in the longing for a return to a previous relationship.