Meaning of "Sometimes I Don't Mind" by Gordon Lightfoot

The lyrics of "Sometimes I Don't Mind" by Gordon Lightfoot delve into the complex emotions of longing and loss. The singer vividly portrays the inner turmoil caused by thoughts of a particular person. The mention of feeling feverish and downhearted while thinking of this individual suggests a deep emotional attachment that brings both joy and sorrow. The repetition of the line "When I'm drinking to you, I get down in my shoes in a waltz with the blues" underscores the cyclical nature of these feelings of melancholy that resurface whenever thoughts of this person invade the singer's mind. The lyrics convey a sense of yearning for someone who is perhaps not present or is unattainable, resulting in a bittersweet mix of emotions that color the singer's perception of the world around them. Despite the conflicting emotions portrayed in the lyrics, there is a sense of resignation and acceptance that sometimes life's experiences, whether joyful or melancholic, are all part of the human experience.