Meaning of "Reel Around the Fountain" by The Smiths

The lyrics of "Reel Around the Fountain" delve into themes of lost innocence, unrequited love, and the longing for connection. The repeated phrase, "It's time the tale were told, of how you took a child and you made him old," suggests a transformation or growth that has occurred in the narrator's life due to the actions of another person. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for a loss of innocence or a loss of youthful spirit. The narrator expresses a desire for intimacy, stating that they would not refuse fifteen minutes with the person in question. This longing for connection is emphasized by the repetition of the line, "Oh, people see no worth in you, but I do." The narrator sees value in the person that others may not appreciate or understand. The line, "You can pin and mount me like a butterfly," suggests a vulnerability and a willingness to be exposed or emotionally invested in the relationship. However, the lyrics also highlight the unspoken desires and unfulfilled promises within the relationship, with the line, "But 'take me to the haven of your bed' was something that you never said." This further emphasizes the longing for love and intimacy. Overall, "Reel Around the Fountain" conveys a sense of yearning and a search for connection amidst a world that may not value or understand the narrator's desires and emotions.