Meaning of "Soda And A Souvenir" by Bette Midler

Bette Midler's "Soda And A Souvenir" explores the theme of simplicity and the desire for small pleasures rather than grand emotions. The protagonist, represented as a girl with moonlight in her eyes, seeks to find joy in the mundane and tangible, such as enjoying a soda and acquiring a souvenir. She rejects the idea of grand gestures or overwhelming expressions of love, as she finds them too intense and potentially hurtful. By asking her partner to withhold from talking poetry, whispering sweet things, or singing love songs, she sets boundaries to protect herself from being overwhelmed by intense emotions. The girl's request for a soda and a souvenir represents her desire for lightheartedness and simplicity, contrasting with the potential heaviness of romantic involvement. Additionally, the line "Watch what you say, I'll remember it always" alludes to the girl's vulnerability and sensitivity. She warns her partner that his words have a lasting impact on her, and urges him to be cautious in his expressions of affection. The repetition of "Just a girl with moonlight in my eyes" reinforces the protagonist's simplicity and underscores her desire for a less complicated and overwhelming romantic experience.