Meaning of "Turning Of The Tide" by Richard Thompson

The song paints a picture of a person trapped in a cycle of shallow relationships and temporary connections. The repeated references to "boys" and "one night stands" suggest a lack of depth and emotional intimacy in the protagonist's interactions. The mention of "staying up late" and "too much powder and too much paint" hints at a lifestyle marked by superficiality and excess. Despite the facade of confidence and allure, the protagonist is ultimately unable to escape the loneliness and emptiness that the transient nature of their relationships brings. The imagery of a "poor little sailor boy" who promises everlasting love juxtaposed with "cheap perfume" and a "creaking bed in a hotel room" highlights the stark contrast between genuine emotion and empty physical encounters. Ultimately, the turning of the tide symbolizes the inevitability of change and the futility of trying to hold on to moments that are bound to slip away.