Meaning of "Ethylene" by John Hiatt

"Ethylene" by John Hiatt delves into themes of longing, distance, and the intensity of love. The lyrics depict a narrator who is physically separated from their partner, finding themselves alone and contemplating what their partner might be doing. The mention of sitting on the toilet with sunglasses on indicates a sense of absurdity and longing, as the narrator tries to create a connection with their partner even in mundane moments. The use of bathroom telephones symbolizes the constant longing and desire for communication, despite being physically apart. The imagery of painting nails and listening to music speaks to the memories and shared experiences the couple had. The lyrics also touch upon the idea of drifting apart, with the narrator expressing confusion over how they ended up in this situation. The use of "Ethylene" as a repeated refrain adds a sense of longing and obsession, emphasizing the intensity of the narrator's feelings. The reference to bagging a limit or skinning a cougar symbolizes the rugged outdoors and the adventurous spirit they once shared. The memories of their time together haunt the narrator, as they travel on their own "road to nowhere" and hold onto dreams and fantasies of reuniting. The song explores the ways in which love can consume us and the pain of being apart from someone we deeply care about. The mention of avoiding love and leaving the seat down when pissing portrays a contrasting view of love, highlighting the superficial avoidance of emotional connection. In the end, the lyrics express a deep longing for the past and the desire to have more moments shared with their loved one.