Meaning of "Open Up the Watergate (Let the Sunshine In)" by Bert Jansch

The lyrics of "Open Up the Watergate (Let the Sunshine In)" by Bert Jansch delve into themes of love, heartbreak, and personal empowerment. In the initial verses, the narrator reflects on the disappointment of realizing that their love was not reciprocated, leading to feelings of being jilted and blue. Despite this emotional setback, the narrator refuses to be constrained by the pain and asserts their right to freedom and happiness. The repeated chorus of "Open up the watergate, let the sunshine in" can be interpreted as a call to release emotional barriers and allow positivity and light back into their life. The mention of a "Saturday night special" and going downtown to find a new love suggests a desire to move on and find happiness elsewhere. The lines encouraging to "Jump down turnaround, spin your love around" and "Pick your feet up and stroll around" suggest an urging towards optimism, self-discovery, and the possibility of finding joy even after heartbreak. Overall, the song conveys a message of resilience, self-assertion, and the importance of opening up to new experiences despite past disappointments.