Meaning of "Shutters And Boards" by Dean Martin

"Shutters And Boards" portrays the aftermath of a relationship that has crumbled due to the narrator's mistakes and regrets. The imagery of the boarded-up house symbolizes the isolation and emptiness the man feels since his partner left. He longs for her forgiveness and presence, regretting the pain he caused that turned their once happy home into a place of sorrow. The dream sequence where she returns to the house represents his desire to reconcile and undo the damage he has done. The act of opening the shutters and tearing down the boards signifies his willingness to let go of the barriers he built and make amends. Overall, the lyrics convey themes of longing, regret, and the hope for reconciliation in the face of lost love.