Meaning of "About Your Dress" by The Maccabees

"About Your Dress" delves into the experiences and emotions of young love. The lyrics are nostalgic and reflective, with the narrator recalling a significant encounter with someone who captivated them. The line "It's just what all young lovers do" suggests that the actions, both positive and negative, that take place in the relationship are typical for young love and part of the learning and growing process. The song beautifully encapsulates the thrill and unpredictability of youthful infatuation, where one is willing to take risks and play games in the pursuit of love. The reference to burning the person's dress with a cigarette symbolizes a careless mistake that might happen in the reckless abandon of young passion.

The repetition of the phrase "Never wrong, never right" emphasizes the gray area and ambiguity that often characterizes relationships at a young age. The narrator acknowledges that it's not always clear whether their actions are right or wrong, suggesting the inherent confusion and uncertainty that accompanies young love. The echoing nature of the lyrics adds a dreamlike quality to the song, perhaps representing the way these memories persist and echo through the narrator's mind.

Overall, "About Your Dress" captures the nostalgic longing and bittersweet feelings associated with young love. It explores the excitement, mistakes, and romances that are inherent to the experience of being young and in love.