"To Cut A Long Story Short" by Gilbert O'Sullivan is a song that explores various aspects of relationships, marriage, and life in a narrative format. The lyrics tell the story of the narrator's experiences and perspectives on love, marriage, and the challenges that come with them. The song starts off with the narrator reminiscing about a woman who loved him truly, and they decide to get married on their honeymoon, indicating a whirlwind romance. However, the relationship takes a turn, and like billions of others, they end up getting divorced. This suggests the transient nature of love and the prevalence of failed marriages. The lyrics then delve into the idea of reciprocity in relationships. The narrator expresses doubt in the belief that one can give more than they receive, unless it pertains to taxation or gambling. This highlights the concept of fairness and the belief that relationships should be balanced in terms of give and take. The song further explores the narrator's coping mechanisms for solving problems or finding enjoyment. He suggests that when faced with an issue, he prefers to simply go out and play golf. This could imply that he seeks solace or distraction from the challenges of life through leisure activities. He also mentions reading a book, which he enjoys because it introduces him to a diverse set of characters, such as a chambermaid, highlighting the power of storytelling and imagination. The theme of reciprocity resurfaces in the lyrics as the narrator questions the possibility of taking more than one receives. He emphasizes the need for effort and hard work to achieve success, implying that simply taking without putting in the necessary work is unlikely. The song concludes with the narrator introducing his girlfriend named Jill, who is cautious and takes contraceptive measures by taking the pill. This highlights the importance of responsible decisions in relationships. The song ends with the narrator stating that he is getting married for the second time, suggesting a hopeful outlook on love and the possibility of finding happiness in a second marriage. Overall, "To Cut A Long Story Short" explores the complexities of relationships, the challenges of giving and receiving, and the need for balance and effort to find fulfillment in love and life.
