Meaning of "On the Back Row" by Jerry Lee Lewis

"On the Back Row" by Jerry Lee Lewis delves into the theme of unrequited love and the lingering pain of lost relationships. The imagery of sitting on the back row in a church symbolizes the protagonist's feelings of isolation and distance from the happiness of others around them. The contrast between the church wedding scene and the lonely tavern highlights the speaker's internal struggle between holding onto the past and moving forward. The repeated mention of the tavern in the lonely part of town emphasizes the sense of abandonment and despair felt by the protagonist. Despite their bitterness towards seeing their former lover with someone else, the lyrics also reveal a sense of eternal hope and dedication as the protagonist imagines waiting for them in the tavern. Overall, the song poignantly captures the complex emotions of heartbreak, longing, and unresolved feelings.