The song "Where The Hell Have You Been" by Gilbert O'Sullivan is a lighthearted and humorous take on relationships and the dynamics between couples. The lyrics are filled with playful and sarcastic remarks about different scenarios and expectations. The song begins with the narrator expressing frustration about someone making eyes at them instead of doing something useful, like climbing a tree. The mention of a lurking koala bear from down under adds a sense of surprise and unpredictability. The lyrics then shift to the subject of Australia and wives who don't mind when their husbands come home late at night. The narrator highlights the contrast with their own situation, where their wife questions their whereabouts every time they are a minute late. The song continues with playful comments about Helen lying in the sun and giving the neighbors a thrill. It suggests that instead of attracting attention, Helen could be doing something more productive like climbing a hill. The lyrics then humorously mention alternatives and guys who don't mind when their girlfriends come home late at night. This adds another layer of contrast between the narrator's relationship and others. The song concludes with the playful line about someone making eyes but could be doing something more productive, like climbing over the narrator. The following lines assure that there's nothing to be frightened of and that the narrator won't let the person fall. It ends with a hope that the person will be enthralled. Overall, the song's meaning revolves around the complications and expectations present in relationships. It highlights the humorous differences between couples, their reactions to certain situations, and the contrasting realities experienced by various individuals.
