In John Hiatt's song "Book Lovers," the lyrics tell a story about a person who has heard news through gossip that their former lover has moved on and found someone new. The person laments over the pain they feel from the breakup and how their once hopeful love story has turned into a tragic situation. The lyrics compare the aftermath of the breakup to a twisted wreck, suggesting that people are fascinated by the narrator's misfortune. Although the narrator feels hurt, they understand that others may find their situation interesting to observe. The phrase "cover to cover" is used metaphorically, describing the narrator's relationship with their ex-lover. The two of them were like book lovers, enjoying the depths of their connection. Now, the narrator feels betrayed and lost, as if they have been double-crossed. The chorus suggests that the narrator doesn't know how to move forward. They sarcastically mention giving a toast to their own misery, emphasizing their feeling of being defeated and left behind. The lyrics continue to convey the narrator's pain and struggle to accept the new reality. They reminisce about happier times when they were together and feel unable to read the rest of their love story, indicating their reluctance to face the present situation. The song suggests that the relationship could have had a happy ending if both parties had worked towards it. However, the narrator realizes that their ex-lover had unrealistic expectations of love, hoping for a fairy tale ending. Ultimately, someone else has come along and fulfilled those dreams, leaving the narrator heartbroken.
