Lyrics
It was over by mid October
The relationship ended around mid-October.
She had already packed up her bags by then
She had already prepared to leave by then, indicating a decision made before the breakup.
I can’t remember by mid December
The singer struggles to recall specific details by mid-December, implying a foggy memory of the breakup or events following it.
She was desperately trying to leave Michigan
She was determined to escape Michigan, possibly seeking a fresh start or to distance herself from the past.
She won’t know she’s made it until she hates it
She might not recognize her success until she dislikes it, suggesting an ironic realization of achieving her goals.
Excellent taste in terrible dudes
She has a penchant for choosing partners who aren't good for her.
Her five year plan is to get out of the basement
Her aspiration is to move out of a stagnant or unproductive phase in life.
With stakes so low it’s hard to know what to do
The situation is so uninspiring or lacking in significance that it's challenging to make decisions.
I was taken by another guy
The singer was emotionally involved with someone else.
You, taken by surprise
The listener was caught off guard or surprised by something.
I can’t, I don’t like the look in your eye
The singer doesn't appreciate the expression or emotion observed in the listener's eyes.
But you, you were taken by surprise
The listener was surprised or taken aback by something unexpected.
Not impressed with the time she’s taken
The singer isn't impressed by the amount of time elapsed; it feels longer than it actually is.
Five years has suddenly turned into eight
Originally planned for five years, the situation has prolonged to eight, indicating delay or deviation from plans.
The person of interest had always been faking
The person the singer was interested in wasn't genuine and pretended to like things she disliked.
An interest in everything she loved to hate
That person pretended to have an interest in everything she didn't like.
It was over by mid October
Reiteration of the breakup happening around mid-October.
She had already packed up her bags by then
Reiteration of her preparedness to leave by mid-October.
I can’t remember by mid December
Similar to line 3, recalling events becomes difficult by mid-December.
She was desperately trying to leave me again
She was actively trying to leave the singer again by December.
I was taken by another guy
Reiteration of the singer being emotionally involved with someone else.
You, taken by surprise
Similar to line 12, the listener was surprised or caught off guard.
I can’t, I don’t like the look in your eye
Similar to line 13, the singer isn't fond of the expression or emotion seen in the listener's eyes.
But you, you were taken by surprise
Similar to line 14, the listener was surprised or taken aback.
I cannot help you
The singer feels unable to assist or support the listener.
I can not help you, no
Reiteration of the inability to provide help or support.
I can not help you go
Continued emphasis on the inability to aid the listener in departing or moving on.
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