Meaning of "He'll Have To Go" by Ry Cooder

"He'll Have to Go" explores themes of longing, jealousy, and uncertainty in love. The song is a conversation between two individuals who are not physically together, but are engaging in a phone call. The protagonist desires the person on the other end to affirm their love and make a choice between them and the partner who is with them. The request to turn the jukebox down low indicates a desire for privacy, as if the protagonist wants to feel intimately connected to the person on the other end of the line.

The lyrics also delve into the idea that love can sometimes be blind. The protagonist questions whether the person on the other end experiences the same level of intimacy and connection with their current partner, emphasizing the unique qualities of their own love. There is a sense of insecurity and desperation in the protagonist's request for a clear answer about the future of their relationship. The line, "Should I hang up or will you tell him, He'll have to go?" suggests that the protagonist is tired of living in this state of uncertainty and is seeking resolution.

The song captures the vulnerability and emotional turmoil that can arise when love is not clear-cut. It highlights the complexities of human emotions and the desire for assurance and commitment in romantic relationships. There is a plea for honesty and a willingness to understand the other person's choices, even if they are painful.