"Out of the Question" by Gilbert O'Sullivan is a song about a tumultuous relationship in which the narrator feels constantly confused and frustrated by their partner's inconsistent behavior. The lyrics depict the partner's indecisiveness, going from expressing love and desire in one moment to withdrawing it in the next. The song explores the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the narrator, who feels turned upside down and led on by their partner's yo-yoing emotions. The narrator is aware of this game and expresses a sense of understanding and frustration at their partner's behavior. The lyrics also touch upon missed opportunities and the potential that existed between the two individuals. They mention how together they could have achieved great things, but the partner's impatience and tendency to lead the narrator on by giving false hope ultimately led to a fatal mistake. The overall feeling conveyed in the song is one of disappointment and resignation. The narrator acknowledges their partner's inconsistency and realizes that they deserve better. They express the idea that if their partner wants them, it's now "out of the question" due to the emotional turmoil they have been put through. The second half of the song features the narrator reflecting on their own efforts to make the relationship work. They express confusion as to why they keep trying despite the constant disappointment and lack of response from their partner. The lyrics suggest that the narrator feels trapped in a cycle of heartbreak and apologizes for the faults in the relationship, even though the ultimate fault lies with the partner's behavior. Overall, "Out of the Question" explores the themes of inconsistency, emotional turmoil, missed opportunities, and the struggle to understand and navigate a troubled relationship.
