The song "Ethylene" by John Hiatt is a heartfelt tribute to a lost love named Ethylene. Hiatt finds himself sitting on the toilet, reflecting on his feelings for Ethylene. He wonders what she is doing at that moment, imagining scenarios like painting her nails or listening to music. The lyrics showcase Hiatt's longing for Ethylene and his realization that they have drifted apart. He acknowledges their past adventures and the happiness they shared together, but now he feels a sense of distance between them. Hiatt expresses his admiration for Ethylene's skills and the things she can do, like hunting and cleaning fish. He thought they were on the right path, but somehow they ended up apart and their relationship faded away. The song also touches on the idea that some men tend to shy away from love and intimacy, avoiding it as if it were a problem. Hiatt admits missing the little things about Ethylene, like a crocheted item she kept on the Kleenex box or the cold linoleum floor of their shared space. These memories evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the love they once had. Overall, "Ethylene" is a bittersweet song about lost love, longing, and the inability to fully explain or understand why things have changed. Hiatt yearns for the presence of Ethylene in his life and recognizes the value of what they had together.
