"What Kind of Man" by John Hiatt is a song about a man reflecting on his past actions and the consequences they have had on his life and relationships. The lyrics depict a character who has engaged in various negative behaviors such as cheating on his loved ones, stealing cars and drugs, and causing harm to others. The song explores the man's self-awareness and self-reflection, questioning his own nature and contemplating whether he is capable of change. Despite acknowledging his past mistakes, he suggests that he is prone to repeating them in the future, questioning what kind of man he truly is. The lyrics also touch upon his current relationship, where he is living in someone else's house, holding their hand, and seemingly being a part of their life. However, he hints at hidden intentions and a potential for manipulation, symbolized by the "hidden claws inside these gloves." He questions whether he is deserving of the love he receives and wonders if he is fooling both himself and the person he is involved with. Ultimately, the song raises questions about identity, self-awareness, and the possibility for change. The character grapples with his past actions and struggles to understand his own nature, leaving the listener to ponder the complexities of human behavior and the potential for growth and transformation.
