The meaning behind Jimmy Eat World's song "Cautioners" revolves around the feeling of uncertainty and realizing that someone you care about may be slipping away from you. The lyrics depict a person watching someone they love from a distance, unable to express their feelings fully. The protagonist fears that the person they are observing will eventually reject them and walk away with hesitation. The line "The time I would spend, with pictures I would not send" suggests that the protagonist is hesitant to open up and share their emotions fully. They choose to keep their feelings hidden, possibly out of fear of rejection or the negative consequences it may bring. They watch the person from afar, feeling a sense of longing and missing them. The chorus, "You'll change your mind come Monday and turn your back on me, You'll take your steps away with hesitance, You'll take your steps away from me," further emphasizes the protagonist's fear of losing the person they love. They anticipate that on Monday, the person may have a change of heart and distance themselves emotionally or physically, leaving the protagonist behind. The lyrics convey a sense of melancholy and resignation. The protagonist acknowledges that they may be making a mistake by accepting the distance, but they also recognize the need to find peace within themselves. Despite this, they still think of and miss the person they are observing. Overall, "Cautioners" is a heartfelt song about the fear of losing someone and the struggle to find closure when faced with uncertainty in a relationship. It explores themes of longing, distance, and the internal struggles one experiences when facing the possibility of rejection.
