Meaning of "Stolen Away on 55th & 3rd" by Dave Matthews Band

The lyrics of "Stolen Away on 55th & 3rd" explore themes of nostalgia, fleeting moments, and the fear of disrupting a rekindled connection. The narrator is surprised to encounter someone from their past and is reminded of how quickly time has passed. The line "Funny how you take me right back again" suggests that the person holds a special power to revive old emotions and memories. The use of "stolen away" portrays the sense of being swept off their feet and taken back to that initial encounter. The narrator's hesitation and fear of getting in the way reflects their uncertainty about how they fit into this person's present life. The repetition of "I did not think I would see you again" emphasizes the unexpected nature of the reunion. It also underscores the narrator's desire to know how this person has been, but also their hesitance in seeking that information. The lyrics capture the complexity of emotions that arise when encountering someone from the past and the fear of disrupting their current life. The song invites reflection on the nature of time and how it can simultaneously elicit feelings of joy and apprehension.