I love this song as well, but I feel it's more satirical (sarcastic?) than literal. To me, it's an indictment against girls who live their lives through their boyfriend(s). They don't have to go to good schools or know how to get home or be inspiring, just as long as they're dating someone who matches those descriptions. And then, if they're growing tired of their life or feel like they need to change or mature, instead of actually working on themselves and growing as a human being, they just get a different or more mature boyfriend.
To me, Craig Finn is telling girls, "Don't settle for that crap. You are NOT a bruise that needs to be covered. Be your own person. Live your own life. Expect great things of YOURSELF."
I love this song as well, but I feel it's more satirical (sarcastic?) than literal. To me, it's an indictment against girls who live their lives through their boyfriend(s). They don't have to go to good schools or know how to get home or be inspiring, just as long as they're dating someone who matches those descriptions. And then, if they're growing tired of their life or feel like they need to change or mature, instead of actually working on themselves and growing as a human being, they just get a different or more mature boyfriend. To me, Craig Finn is telling girls, "Don't settle for that crap. You are NOT a bruise that needs to be covered. Be your own person. Live your own life. Expect great things of YOURSELF."