The lyrics express the deep longing and sadness of missing someone who has left, comparing the feeling to being sold down the river like a slave changing hands. The singer reminisces about the shared laughter and good times, lamenting the loss and heartbreak they feel while trying to carry on with daily life despite feeling hopelessly blue.

Meaning of "How Do I Miss You?" by Pretenders

These lyrics delve into the complex emotions of longing and heartache after someone has departed. The imagery of being sold down the river like a slave conveys a sense of betrayal and abandonment, highlighting the deep pain of being left behind. The bittersweet memories of shared laughter and joyful moments contrast sharply with the current feelings of emptiness and despair. The singer's struggle to cope with the absence of the loved one is palpable in lines like "When the chorus of the dawn fills the valley with song, baby what could be wrong?" The conflicting emotions of trying to move on while still being consumed by grief are represented through the carnival beat juxtaposed with dragging feet, creating a poignant portrayal of loss and longing. Overall, the lyrics capture the raw and poignant essence of missing someone who has left, exploring both the nostalgia for what once was and the pain of what is no longer.