The song "Amsterdam" by John Cale tells the story of a woman who has returned from a trip to Amsterdam, and how this journey has affected her. The narrator observes that the journey has done her well, as her face has lost the signs of loneliness she once had. Despite the changes in her, the narrator still loves her and desires her company. He implores her to come back to him, expressing his belief that the journey has positively impacted her. The woman, on the other hand, reveals that she fell in love with men who knew how to treat her well, unlike the narrator. Her life has now settled for the best of things, which the narrator acknowledges he couldn't provide for her. The narrator acknowledges that it is not her fault that she desires a different life and that he is not to blame. He continues to ask her to come back to him once more, but recognizes that the journey has indeed benefited her. Overall, the song explores themes of love, longing, and the changes that can occur during a journey. It portrays a bittersweet reflection on love lost and the impact of personal growth and experiences.
