"Conversation With The Flying Plates" by Gilbert O'Sullivan is a song that tells the story of a tumultuous and dysfunctional relationship. The lyrics highlight the constant arguments and conflicts between the narrator and their partner, which often turns physical with plates being thrown. The song starts with the narrator expressing their willingness to say what their partner wants to hear and go where they want to go. They mention the disappearing of summer, suggesting that their relationship has lost its warmth and happiness. They also mention how they engage in regular flights or escapades every weekend, indicating a need to escape or avoid the problems in their relationship. The lyrics reveal a sense of resignation and acceptance in the narrator's life, as they have become accustomed to crying in the rain and suppressing their true emotions. They wear their love and dedication for their partner like a badge, symbolized by it being "emblazoned" on their chest, even when they have arguments and disagreements. The narrator acknowledges the anxiety about how their relationship will turn out, but they imply that they have a fear that their love and harmony will never truly be achieved. They make a metaphorical reference to "lying nowhere near the soil," suggesting a lack of foundation or stability in their relationship. The chorus repeats the phrase "you are my love, you are my life," indicating the depth of the narrator's feelings despite the challenges they face. They try to conceal their emotions and protect themselves, using a vest to cover up any conflicts or bruises. The song progresses to describe the actual conversations that occur during their fights, with plates being thrown. The narrator mentions that there is a pattern in this destructive behavior, but they also imply that it doesn't matter where the plates go as long as they go fast. The reference to the china cup being recognized suggests that even the most beloved possessions are at risk in these intense arguments. The lyrics bring attention to the fact that many of the broken things cannot be replaced, emphasizing the permanent damage caused by their fights. The mention of the Meissen, a valuable and sentimental wedding gift, highlights the loss and regret associated with their destructive behavior. The narrator expresses the hope that within a year they will be able to look back and laugh at the situation, but they realize that time is slipping away quickly, and the damage caused within one year is already significant. They mention their familiarity with luxury and wealth, focusing on diamond-studded ears, suggesting a desire for material possessions as a way to compensate for the emotional turmoil they experience. The song concludes by acknowledging the devastation caused by their arguments and the impact it has on those around them. The maid's shock at the mess left by the flying plates depicts the aftermath and disorder that the narrator has unintentionally caused. Overall, "Conversation With The Flying Plates" conveys the destructive nature of a troubled relationship, with the lyrics exploring themes of conflict, regret, and the loss of irreplaceable things. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of unresolved issues and the importance of communication and emotional well-being in a partnership.
