The song "Thank You Girl" by John Hiatt expresses gratitude and appreciation towards a woman who stood by the narrator during difficult times. The lyrics suggest that the woman may not fit society's traditional beauty standards ("You're a little on the thin side"), but the narrator finds her perfect just the way she is. She supported him when he had lost hope of ever overcoming his struggles ("When I didn't think we'd ever see daylight"). The song references the couple leaving California, possibly escaping from something or starting afresh ("Rolled out of California like a couple of thieves"). Despite any challenges they've faced, they are now living a comfortable life together ("Rolling in clover"). The narrator realizes that his fate was already sealed before meeting the woman, indicating that he was on a destructive path ("I was halfway down a shallow grave"). However, she was able to catch him and prevent his downfall, even with the limited love he had left to offer ("Still you took the little love I saved"). The chorus repeats the phrase "I wanna thank you girl" to emphasize the narrator's gratitude towards the woman. He genuinely appreciates her presence and the positive impact she has had on his life. Comparing the woman to others, the narrator believes she is exceptional and far superior in every way ("They couldn't hold a candle to your kind"). He feels like he is luckier than his brother or any other man, suggesting that he has found true happiness with her. The song concludes with the idea that their love story is more real and genuine compared to fairy tales or stories from the past ("In your arms I get the real love story, no fairy tale from somewhere back in time"). The woman is compared to a morning glory, symbolizing her beauty and the way she opens up to the narrator's presence ("Opening up for my sweet light to shine"). Overall, "Thank You Girl" is a heartfelt expression of appreciation for the unwavering support and love of a woman who has made a significant positive impact on the narrator's life.
