The song "The Lover" by Tommy James and the Shondells tells the story of a young girl who is being pursued by a guy who claims to be her true love. The singer, Tommy James, warns the girl that the other guy, "the lover," is not trustworthy and only wants to deceive her. The lyrics emphasize the importance of understanding the game of love and being cautious with one's heart. The singer reassures the girl that he is the one who truly cares for her and understands her needs. The song's upbeat, pop-rock sound and catchy melody add to the urgency of the message, creating a sense of urgency in warning the girl about the deceitful intentions of "the lover." The lyrics express a theme of love and betrayal and serve as a warning to the young girl to be wary of the false promises made by someone who claims to be the perfect lover.