Meaning of "'cause Cheap Is How I Feel" by Cowboy Junkies

The lyrics of " 'cause Cheap Is How I Feel" by Cowboy Junkies paint a picture of emotional desolation and a sense of inadequacy. The speaker's interactions with the bum begging for change and their search for a last-minute present suggest a deep-rooted need to prove their sincerity and worth through materialistic gestures. The mention of a half moon symbolizes partial clarity and insight into their feelings, but the sense of longing and unfulfillment persists. The speaker's internal conflict is further highlighted by the juxtaposition of the bright moon and the shadows cast by the harsh lights, representing the duality of their emotions. The willingness to trade "your body for my soul" reflects a transactional view of relationships, where value is equated with physical or tangible exchanges. Ultimately, the repeated assertion that "cheap is how I feel" hints at a profound sense of worthlessness and a struggle to find genuine connections in a world filled with superficiality and emptiness.