The lyrics of "Distracted" by Al Jarreau express feelings of loneliness, sadness, and distraction. The narrator wonders about revisiting a past relationship and describes feeling lost and fractured. They took a highway that turned out to be the wrong path, leading to a detour that left them even more isolated and torn apart.

Meaning of "Distracted" by Al Jarreau

"Distracted" delves into the theme of heartbreak and how it can leave an individual feeling lost and disconnected from themselves and those around them. The narrator's emotional journey is depicted through the metaphor of a highway, symbolizing their path in life. Despite appearing strong and moving forward ("Taking my heartaches for a little ride on main street"), they are ultimately left alone and broken. The mention of tears and laughter as disguises may reflect the complexities of dealing with pain and attempting to mask it with a facade. The repetitive references to being lonely, sad, and distracted underscore the intensity of the emotions being experienced, and the repetition of the detour symbolizes a cycle of heartbreak and disappointment. The plea to "play your horn" at the end could symbolize a desire for release or catharsis through music, a common theme in Al Jarreau's work.