Meaning of "Mae" by The Gaslight Anthem

The lyrics of "Mae" by The Gaslight Anthem evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for a past love, Mae. The imagery of Bette Davis eyes and a party dress suggests a glamorous and memorable figure in the narrator's past. There is a yearning to reunite and reignite feelings that have been lost over time. The repetition of the invitation to go for a drive indicates a desire to escape the monotony of daily life and find solace in the company of someone they once loved deeply. The mention of working fingers down to dust and waiting for kingdom come amidst a city that pumps its aching heart for blood paints a picture of a restless and unfulfilled existence. Overall, the song captures the bittersweet ache of longing for a past love while facing the harsh realities of life.