Meaning of "European Swallow" by The Refreshments

The song "European Swallow" discusses themes of materialism, transactional relationships, and superficiality. The protagonist encounters a woman who is willing to trade physical affection for money, highlighting the shallowness of the interaction based solely on monetary gains. The protagonist's sarcastic responses to the aggressive man and the woman's actions reveal a sense of detachment and lack of emotional investment in the situation. The lyrics critique the idea of using money as a means to obtain anything desired, emphasizing the emptiness and lack of genuine connection that such transactions create. Overall, the song serves as a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of valuing material wealth over meaningful relationships.