"Marquee Sign" by Sara Evans is a song about hindsight and the realization that someone was not right for you, but you only came to that understanding after going through the pain of being with them. The lyrics use metaphors of cigarettes and alcohol to represent the warning signs that should have been visible from the beginning. The song begins with the line "I wish you were a pack of cigarettes, 'cause you would've come with a warning." This suggests that if the person had come with a warning label like a pack of cigarettes, the singer would have been aware of how bad they were for her. The lyrics express the regret of not knowing this sooner and wasting time with someone who ultimately caused heartbreak. The chorus emphasizes the idea that people lie, trust, and hide who they truly are. If the person had been "lit up like a marquee sign," meaning their true intentions were visible from the start, the singer could have saved herself from the pain and avoided getting emotionally attached. The lyrics also mention the possibility of the truth being written out in black and white, indicating clear signs that the person was not genuine. In retrospect, the singer realizes that she should have known from the beginning that this person would only break her heart. The song further highlights the comparisons to alcohol, with the line "If you had just been tequila, I would've known when to stop." This suggests that if the person had been like tequila, which has clear effects, the singer would have known when to walk away. The lyrics emphasize the point that people can deceive and disguise their true intentions, making it harder for others to see their true nature. Overall, "Marquee Sign" conveys the message that sometimes we can only recognize the warning signs and the true nature of someone after experiencing heartbreak. It encourages listeners to be cautious and pay attention to the signs before getting wrapped up in someone who is not right for them.
