"The Balance Of Love (Give and Take)" by Howard Jones is a song that explores the theme of an imbalanced relationship where one person is giving more than they are receiving. The lyrics depict a situation where the narrator's love interest only wants their love but not the person themselves. The song starts by stating that the price of their love is too high to pay, implying that the other person is demanding too much without reciprocating. The narrator decides to save themselves for another day, indicating their intention to prioritize their own well-being rather than sacrificing themselves for an undeserving relationship. The lyrics also criticize the other person for selling their goods with no guarantee, suggesting that they are unstable and unreliable in the relationship. The narrator feels like they are being taxed at the highest rate, meaning that they are constantly being demanded to give more of themselves. The other person wants the narrator's heart served on a plate, reinforcing the idea that they only want the emotional benefits without putting in the necessary effort to maintain a healthy relationship. The balance of love being in the red refers to the imbalanced state of the relationship. The narrator acknowledges that their identity and worth extend beyond the physical aspect of their relationship symbolized by the "double bed." They realize that they deserve more than just the emptiness and unfulfilled promises they have been receiving. The song emphasizes the narrator's determination to no longer tolerate the empty things the other person says and the lack of reciprocity in the relationship. The lyrics suggest that there are plenty of other potential partners ("plenty of fish in the sea") and acknowledge their mistake of choosing someone who turned out to be a "shark" rather than a suitable partner. The bridge of the song emphasizes the importance of give and take in a relationship and expresses frustration towards the other person's lack of understanding or consideration for this dynamic. The narrator realizes that they need to stop allowing the other person to mess up their life and assert themselves by seeking a more balanced and mutually fulfilling relationship. Overall, "The Balance Of Love (Give and Take)" conveys a message of self-empowerment and the importance of finding a partner who values and reciprocates love and effort in a relationship.
