The song "1/2 A Loaf" by Mick Jagger is about a person who is in a half-hearted and clandestine love affair. The lyrics describe the frustration and desperation of being in such a relationship, where they only have half a life, half a dream, and half a love. The protagonist is nervous about being caught by their neighbors and desires to escape from the darkness and secrecy of the affair. The chorus of the song highlights their dissatisfaction and hunger for something more substantial. Despite their love for the other person, the protagonist can't continue living in this limbo and is tortured by the affair. They want to shout their love from the rooftops, but the fear of judgment and public opinion keeps them from doing so. The verse about freezing in doorways and taking separate taxis implies that the affair is kept secret and hidden. The protagonist wishes they could be seen together publicly but knows that it would cause even more problems. In the end, the protagonist realizes that they can't continue in this love affair and that it's going to break their heart. The repeated chorus of "I can't go on seeing you like this" emphasizes their pain and the need for the relationship to end. Overall, the song portrays the hardships of being in a half-hearted and secret love affair, and the desperation to be seen and loved openly.
