Meaning of "You Run Away" by Barenaked Ladies

The lyrics of "You Run Away" seem to reflect feelings of rejection and frustration in a relationship. The singer appears to have put effort into trying to make things work, acknowledging their own faults, and trying to mend the situation. However, the other person continually chooses to run away, refusing to confront the issues at hand and instead opting to avoid the difficulties. This continuous cycle of running away seems to have caused a lot of emotional pain for the singer, who is left feeling inadequate and ultimately abandoned. The lines about holding a mirror to show the other person the truth and looking them in the eye suggest a desire for honesty and confrontation, rather than avoidance and escape. The repeated chorus emphasizes the theme of running away and the inability to face problems head-on. Overall, the song explores the complexities of relationships, communication, and the impact of avoidance on emotional well-being.