Meaning of "Third Rate Romance" by Sammy Kershaw

"Third Rate Romance" by Sammy Kershaw tells the tale of a superficial, fleeting romance between two individuals who are well aware of the transactional nature of their encounter. The setting of a ritzy restaurant followed by a cheap motel highlights the stark contrast between their appearance of sophistication and the reality of their rendezvous. The lyrics focus on the lack of genuine connection between the two characters, emphasizing the role of alcohol in facilitating their interaction. The fact that they both acknowledge the impersonal nature of their relationship by referencing it as a "third-rate romance" underscores the transactional aspect of the encounter. This song serves as a commentary on the superficiality and emptiness of such fleeting relationships that lack true emotion and connection.