Meaning of "I Ain't Always Been Faithful" by Linda Ronstadt

The lyrics of "I Ain't Always Been Faithful" delve into the complexities of relationships and human emotions. The protagonist grapples with the conflict of loving someone but having to leave, highlighting the pain and difficulty of such a situation. The recurring motif of always seeing the person they loved in others suggests a deep emotional connection that continues even after physical separation. The lyrics also touch upon themes of loneliness, longing, and the search for connection, as represented by the image of walking the empty street until the break of dawn. Despite the protagonist's admission of not always being faithful, there is a strong underlying sense of truth and honesty in their feelings and actions. The song captures the bittersweet nature of love, loss, and the enduring impact of past relationships on one's present.