Meaning of "On Again Off Again" by Sean Lennon

"On Again Off Again" delves into the complexities of love and the uncertainties that come with it. The comparison to the sun setting and the moon not always shining reflects the ebb and flow of emotions in a relationship. The lyrics touch on the fear of commitment and the inevitability of change in human connections. The singer's admission of being "on again and off again" and not being able to hold onto someone may stem from a fear of vulnerability or a reluctance to fully invest in a relationship. The line "If I can't hold you, somebody will" suggests a sense of resignation and fatalism, indicating that if the singer cannot fulfill the expectations of love, someone else will step in to do so. The repetition of this theme highlights the cyclical nature of relationships, where love can be fleeting and unpredictable. The imagery of the ocean, forever in motion and never the same, further emphasizes the idea that love is subject to change and cannot remain constant. Overall, the song captures the conflicting emotions of desiring love while also fearing its impermanence and the vulnerability it entails.