"Turn You On" by Joseph Arthur is a song that captures the complex dynamics of a relationship. The lyrics depict the narrator's observations and experiences with a woman who displays contrasting behaviors and emotions. The song begins by describing how the woman never addresses the narrator by their name and reacts with confusion when it's time to leave. However, when the narrator plays music, the woman tries to sing along and brings joy through her dancing and laughter. The second verse reveals that the woman only cries at night when the children are gone, suggesting a sense of loneliness or longing. Despite this vulnerability, when she rests on the narrator's chest, she becomes like a small cat, displaying a level of tenderness and comfort. She understands the narrator's emotional whereabouts while others may not. In the chorus, the narrator expresses the woman's contradictory behavior. They claim that she only finds them attractive or desirable when it's time for the narrator to leave, possibly reflecting a tendency to value what is unattainable. The third verse introduces a scene where the woman urges the narrator to come closer, teasing them with whisky in their coffee cup. She suggests that the narrator actually enjoys this assertive behavior. She also takes on the role of advising the narrator on how to stay alive, perhaps symbolically suggesting that she has the power to bring them back to life or protect them. The final line of the verse paints a poignant image, where the narrator can see all the stars reflected in the woman's expression of loneliness. This highlights her depth and complexity, emphasizing her unique understanding of the world. Overall, "Turn You On" explores themes of contradiction, vulnerability, and the nuances of connection in a relationship. It delves into the ups and downs, showing how moments of joy, tenderness, loneliness, and understanding coexist in this complex dynamic.
