"Motorcycle Girl" by Eric Burdon is a song that explores the deteriorating relationship between two people. The lyrics reveal a sense of sadness, bitterness, and dissatisfaction within the relationship. The song starts by describing the diminishing light in the person's eyes, indicating a loss of joy and happiness. The protagonist feels the hurtful impact of the other person's words, emphasizing their lack of grace. The tattooed face symbolizes the permanent mark of sorrow and pain that the other person carries. Despite being face to face, the protagonist realizes that truth is hard to find in their relationship. The tears locked up inside the other person are compared to pounding fear, suggesting that they are withholding their emotions. The line "like the reverse of me and you" conveys the fundamental differences between the two individuals. The chorus emphasizes the protagonist's indifference towards the other person's emotional displays. The "waterworks" refers to crying or emotional outbursts, which no longer move or affect the protagonist. The mention of boots implies ownership and control, suggesting that the other person may have a hold over the protagonist but is still standing outside their door, indicating their desire for distance. As the song progresses, the protagonist acknowledges that they had forgotten something important while the other person forgot it entirely. This could refer to the protagonist's emotional investment and commitment to the relationship compared to the other person's focus on their own desires. The line "nothing, nothing we don't deserve" suggests that the deterioration of the relationship is a consequence of their actions. The repetition of the chorus highlights the protagonist's growing resilience and acceptance of the situation. They mention a knucklehead, painted red, standing alone in the yard, representing the loss of a shared experience or ride together. This further emphasizes the irreparable state of the relationship. The song concludes with the protagonist expressing their difficulties in accepting the situation and how it weighs heavily on them. They reiterate the theme that time never comes back and that there is nothing left for them to pursue. The final line serves as a summary of the overall message of the song – there is nothing left that they can repair in their relationship. "Motorcycle Girl" essentially explores the emotions and realities of a failing relationship, conveying a sense of resignation and acceptance of its inevitable end.
