Meaning of "Arizona" by Frances Cone

The lyrics of "Arizona" by Frances Cone evoke a sense of regret and missed opportunities. The opening lines, "Is it in your skin / And is it in your bones / All your honor under tow / And there it goes, the middle road / There goes everything untold," suggest that the narrator feels something deep within them, a realization or understanding, but they are unable to fully express it. The mention of "the middle road" and "everything untold" implies a longing for truth and authenticity that has been lost or abandoned.

The repeated phrase "For the love / For the long run / One by one, your favorite son" reflects a desire for love and acceptance, and the idea that the narrator is striving to be someone's favorite, someone important in their life. This longing is juxtaposed with the line "It was Arizona, the seventeenth / The howl of knowing what's underneath," which suggests that there was a specific moment or event in Arizona on the 17th that had a profound impact on the narrator. This event is presented as a source of deep regret, as indicated by the line "And I'm so sorry I couldn't speak." The repetition of this apology reinforces the idea that the narrator feels they were unable to express themselves properly in a significant situation.

The closing line "So sweet" leaves room for interpretation. It could imply that the sweetness of the missed opportunity or regret is bittersweet, or it could suggest that the narrator is finding solace in their own self-awareness, despite the regret they feel. Overall, "Arizona" explores themes of missed opportunities, regret, and the struggle to find one's voice and express oneself honestly.