"Araby" is a love song by Hootie & The Blowfish that explores the complexities of a romantic relationship. The lyrics are poetic and describe the emotions and feelings of the singer towards his lover. The song begins with the singer expressing how much he loves his partner, and how their love is worth the admission. The phrase "Oh my love" repeating and fogging up the glass, is used as a metaphor to describe the steamy atmosphere created by their love. On rainy days, the singer wonders what lies behind the veil and shares a moment of intimacy with his lover, feeling their breath upon his mouth. Additionally, he expresses his vulnerability by pressing his heart into his partner's hand, revealing that it's his gift from "Araby," a reference to a mythical land representing exotic beauty and romanticism. Throughout the song, the singer alludes to the judgment and prejudice from society towards their relationship. He questions his partner about what she wants from their love and confidently states that he knows their love will conquer society's pride. The final verse highlights the singer's frustration with society's lack of understanding of real love, stating that if it all comes down to what they say, they know nothing of his love. Nevertheless, he still finds love in the darkness, and his heart remains with his beloved, a gift from an imaginary land of romance and love. Overall, "Araby" is a poetic tribute to the ups and downs of love, expressed through metaphorical imagery, and a description of emotions.
