Meaning of "She gave it away" by Chris Rea

The lyrics of "She gave it away" by Chris Rea explore themes of unrequited love, loneliness, and desperation. The protagonist of the song, Mary, is depicted as a woman who had saved all her love for one person, only to have it unappreciated. The imagery of the midnight circus and hypnotism represents the allure of false promises and escapism that Mary falls into, giving away her love and dignity to those who don't value her. The references to the priest and the wooden cross highlight Mary's internal struggle between the love she has lost and the superficial comfort she seeks in destructive behaviors. It ultimately portrays the sadness and emptiness that can come from unreciprocated love and the cycle of giving oneself away to the wrong people.