Meaning of "Traction Blues" by Spin Doctors

The lyrics of "Traction Blues" by Spin Doctors depict a scenario where the narrator finds themselves in a painful situation, literally in traction at the hospital, due to the repercussions of falling in love. The repeated line "I would not be in traction if I did not fall in love" emphasizes the idea that love, while often portrayed positively, can also lead to negative consequences and heartbreak. The references to a judge, a court, and a cop suggest a legal battle or conflict that may have arisen from a relationship gone wrong. The use of humor in describing the coffee at the hospital as a "low-down nasty sludge" lightens the tone of the song while highlighting the absurdity of the situation. Overall, the lyrics capture the theme of love's ability to cause pain and suffering, contrasting the common romanticized notions of love with a more cynical perspective.