☝️ Key Points
- The song is about an emotional affair between two people.
- The protagonist is married but feels attracted to the other person.
- The lyrics describe the passion and longing that the protagonist feels.
- Although the protagonist feels the passion, she knows she has to leave.
- The song lyrics show the internal struggles and pain that the protagonist goes through while trying to control her feelings and fulfill her obligations.
Interpretation
The song lyrics "I Really Must Be Going" by
Joan Armatrading is about an emotional affair between two people. The protagonist is loved by someone who has been searching for her their whole life. Although she is married, she feels drawn to this person.
The lyrics describe the passion and longing the protagonist feels when touched by the other person. She can't wait to kiss them and can't control her feelings anymore. Despite that, she tries to be polite and go home, but the other person kindly stands in her way.
Although the protagonist feels the passion, she knows she has to leave. She recognizes that the other person loves her, but she already has commitments and can't be with them. She tries to stay strong and leave, but the feelings stay with her.
Later, the other person calls her in the morning and confesses that they were wrong and that they would have time to love her. They ask her to call back, but the protagonist has already decided to leave.
The song lyrics show the internal struggles and pain the protagonist goes through while trying to control her feelings and fulfill her responsibilities. Despite that, she can't ignore the passion and desire the other person has triggered in her. She is aware that ending this relationship will be difficult, but she is determined to endure and fulfill her duty.