Meaning of "Sure Don't Feel Like Love" by Paul Simon

The lyrics of "Sure Don't Feel Like Love" by Paul Simon delve into complicated emotions surrounding guilt, feeling foolish, and the elusive nature of love. The act of registering to vote is used as a metaphor for feeling exposed and vulnerable, despite knowing it is the right thing to do. The repeated question of "who's that conscience sticking on the sole of my shoe?" symbolizes the burden of guilt that the narrator carries, wondering where it comes from and why it feels so heavy. The reference to tears and crying being a chemical process devoid of blame or fault contrasts with the emotional weight of guilt and the struggle to define what true love feels like. The mention of past mistakes and broken friendships reflects a sense of regret and the fear of repeating those same errors. The juxtaposition of feeling sick from unspoken words with the comfort of chicken and cornbread highlights the complexities of human emotions and the different ways love can manifest. Overall, the song conveys a sense of introspection, inner conflict, and the difficulty in understanding and navigating complex emotions.