The song "For Sale, Baby Shoes, Never Worn" by Steve Harley tells a story about a couple who ran away together in search of true love. They were aware that life isn't fair, but they believed they would always have each other. They made promises to one another and thought they would be together forever. As they settled into their new life, the woman became pregnant. However, as time went on, the couple began neglecting their relationship and showed little care or attention for each other. The lyrics mention how the alpha and the omega, representing the beginning and end, collided. This signifies that their relationship took a sudden turn for the worst. The phrase "For sale, baby shoes, never worn" is a well-known six-word story attributed to Ernest Hemingway. It implies a tragic event, such as a miscarriage or the loss of an infant. In this song, it serves as a metaphor for the broken dreams and shattered expectations the couple had about their true love. The lyrics highlight that the couple never saw the signs of their relationship falling apart. They were oblivious to the impending downfall and it ultimately led to their separation. The song suggests that nobody warned or cared for them, leaving them to face the consequences alone. The repeated refrain, "It's a bitter pill," emphasizes the painful realization that their true love was not as strong or enduring as they had believed. The bitter pill represents the truth they had to swallow, realizing that their relationship was not what it appeared to be. Overall, the song explores themes of disillusionment, broken promises, and the harsh reality that love doesn't always conquer all. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of nurturing relationships and paying attention to the signs of trouble before it's too late.
