In Benjamin Gibbard's song "A Hard One To Know," the lyrics describe a person who is difficult to understand and predict. The song talks about how this person constantly changes their behavior, making it challenging for others to truly know them. The lyrics mention how this person alternates between calling for a truce and starting a fight, much like the changing signals of a traffic light. They also use a fishing analogy, describing how this person casts their emotions out to see who will respond, highlighting their elusive nature. The singer expresses their frustration and inability to sleep, as they cannot stop thinking about the unpredictable actions of this person. The comparison of a flower garden buried in snow represents the potential beauty and depth hidden beneath the surface of this individual. The song also mentions that this person gives their love out like an auctioneer, creating an environment of uncertainty and unclear intentions. Their behavior alternates between being enthusiastic and then disengaging, causing emotions to shift unexpectedly. Despite the singer's attempts to love this person, there is a constant push and pull, with the individual both pushing them away and asking them to stay. This person's inconsistency and mixed signals make it challenging for the singer to understand and maintain a stable relationship with them. Overall, "A Hard One To Know" captures the frustration and emotional turmoil experienced when dealing with someone who is unpredictable and elusive in their actions and emotions. The song portrays the struggles of trying to love and understand such an individual.
