The song "Graduated" by John Hiatt tells the story of a couple who have been in a long-term relationship and have recently "graduated" from something. The lyrics suggest that they have completed some sort of milestone or achieved a certain level of maturity in their lives. In the first verse, the narrator reminisces about their past, where they used to visit each other's homes, engage in passionate moments, and have deep conversations. However, they imply that those experiences are no longer part of their lives because they have both moved on and grown. The chorus emphasizes that they have both "graduated" and have learned to be strong. It could be interpreted as them gaining independence or reaching a stage in their lives where they no longer rely on each other for emotional support. The second verse mentions watching movies together and breaking down barriers in their relationship. However, the narrator suggests that their current situation is more focused on mundane things like managing blinds and having smaller appetites. This implies that their relationship has lost its spark and passion over time. The lyrics continue to highlight that no amount of education or accomplishment can provide the same excitement as the initial stages of their relationship. The lyrics suggest that they have reached a level of society where the power dynamics and responsibilities have changed. The song closes with a reference to stepping out into a "frozen world" and being dead to the world. This can be interpreted as feeling disconnected or lost in a world that they don't fully understand after achieving their "graduation." Overall, John Hiatt's "Graduated" explores the themes of personal growth, change, and the loss of passion in a long-term relationship. It portrays the bittersweet realization that as people mature and move on in life, the dynamics of relationships also change.
