Meaning of "Waiting in Vain" by Annie Lennox

The song portrays the narrator's deep desire for love and their impatience in waiting for it to be reciprocated. From the very beginning, the narrator knew they wanted to pursue a relationship with the person they are addressing, but now they feel like they are being kept at a distance, just "way down on your line." The narrator pleads with the person not to treat them as a puppet, emphasizing that they are capable and independent. They want to know when the person will finally come and show their love.

The lyrics highlight the narrator's frustration and impatience as they sing, "I don't wanna wait in vain for your love." The repetition of this line emphasizes their longing and their unwillingness to wait forever. The changing seasons become a metaphor for the passing of time and the narrator's continued waiting. They express how they have been knocking on the person's door for three years but still feel like they can knock more. The mention of tears burning in their eyes indicates the emotional toll of waiting and suggests that they are reaching their breaking point.

The repeated lines "No I no I, I don't wanna wait in vain" show the narrator's determination and their willingness to let go of this unrequited love if it continues to go unreciprocated. They assert that they deserve love in return and are not willing to wait indefinitely.

Overall, "Waiting in Vain" portrays the frustration and longing that can come from waiting for someone's love. It explores the emotions of impatience, frustration, and the ultimate decision to no longer wait in vain for someone who can't or won't reciprocate their love.