Meaning of "All Mixed Up" by The Cars

"All Mixed Up" by The Cars is a song that reflects the complexity and confusion of a troubled relationship. The protagonist is constantly being manipulated by his partner, who is depicted as a shadow, always lurking but never fully present. The line "she never leaves on the light" suggests that he feels in the dark about her true intentions. The protagonist acknowledges that some of the things he says to her do not have an impact, suggesting a breakdown in communication.

The repetition of the phrase "it's all mixed up" reinforces the feeling of confusion and disarray. The protagonist is unable to make sense of the situation or find clarity in their relationship. The lyrics also highlight the protagonist's longing and anticipation for his partner's arrival, but she never shows up, leaving him waiting indefinitely. This emphasizes her unreliability and further adds to his frustration and confusion.

The woman in the song seems to have a talent for creating illusions and playing with his emotions. She is depicted as constantly "makin' pictures" and "makin' scenes," suggesting that she fabricates stories and scenarios. The line "when it comes to makin' dreams" implies that she is skilled at giving false hope and selling unrealistic futures. Despite all of her deception, she repeatedly tells him to "leave it to me" and assures him that everything will be alright. This could be interpreted as her attempting to control the narrative and maintain power in the relationship.

The overall meaning of the song seems to revolve around the theme of deception and the difficulty of navigating a relationship that is filled with mixed signals. It communicates the frustration, confusion, and emotional turmoil that can arise when trust is broken and communication falters.