Meaning of "Breaking Us in Two" by Joe Jackson

The song "Breaking Us in Two" by Joe Jackson explores the challenges and difficulties that arise in a romantic relationship. The lyrics suggest that the speaker is feeling dissatisfied and confined in the relationship, longing for something new and different. They express a desire to break out or break away from the current situation. The repeated phrase "always something breaking us in two" emphasizes the constant tension and challenges that seem to be present in the relationship. The line "You don't do the things that I do, you wanna do things I can't do" highlights the differences and conflicts in their desires and interests.

The song also touches on the idea that while society may dictate that "two hearts should beat as one," the reality is often more complicated. The speaker acknowledges that it won't be easy or fun to fight for a harmonious relationship, suggesting that they may be questioning if it's worth the effort. The line "Oh, it's oh so nice to get advice, it's oh so hard to do" illustrates the difficulty of following well-meaning advice and the challenges of making a relationship work.

Overall, the song portrays a sense of longing for change and a recognition of the barriers that continually arise in the relationship. It raises questions about the possibility of finding happiness and fulfillment within the confines of the current dynamic.