The song "Return The Favour" by The Hives appears to explore the theme of failed communication and the lack of meaningful conversation in a relationship. The lyrics depict a situation where the individuals involved continuously talk about their issues, but it ultimately leads to no resolution or progress. The repetition of "talk and talk" highlights the futility of their conversations, emphasizing that they have little to discuss or connect over. The lyrics also suggest that their discussions often evade the real problems, further highlighting the lack of productive communication. The line "So nothing went from nothing then, And then back to the nothing I expected when" suggests that their conversations lead to nothing substantial, reinforcing the idea of a cycle of unproductive discussions. The lyrics also mention references to famous boxers, Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali) and Muhammad, adding a playful and metaphorical element to the song. These references could imply that their conversations are just like a boxer's farewell, seemingly significant but ultimately empty. The repeated line "Is it time to go home?" suggests a desire for closure or an end to the unproductive conversations. The lyrics further express that it's a waste of time and space, likening it to drunken taproom talk. This implies that the conversations are superficial and lack true meaning. As the song progresses, the narrator's perspective changes. The lyrics express a sense of self-realization, as they state, "I got my mind made up and it's getting clear, There's better things to do than staying here." This suggests that the narrator has reached a point of clarity and decides to leave the situation behind. In summary, "Return The Favour" by The Hives portrays the frustration and pointlessness of conversations that lead to nothing in a relationship. The song's lyrics convey the desire to move on and find better things than engaging in unproductive dialogue.
