Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ by Journey Lyrics Meaning – Deciphering the Anthem of Heartache and Revenge
Lyrics
And wanna die
Just when
you said we’d try
Lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’
Each other
When I’m alone
All by myself
You’re out
With someone else
Lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’
Each other
You’re tearin’ me apart
Every, every day
You’re tearin’ me apart
Oh what can I say?
You’re tearin’ me apart
It won’t be long, yes
‘Til you’re alone
When your lover
Oh he hasn’t come home
‘Cause he’s lovin’
He’s touchin’
He’s squeezin’
Another
He’s tearin’ you apart
Every, every day
He’s tearin’ you apart
Oh girl, what can you say?
He’s tearin’ you apart
‘Cause he’s lovin’
Touchin’
Another
Now, it’s your turn girl, to cry
Na na na na na na
Na na na na na
Na na na na na na
Na na na na na
(8 times)
In the tapestry of rock anthems, Journey’s ‘Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin” stands out as a classic yarn woven with the threads of raw emotion, rhythm, and a universal narrative. The 1979 hit plucks at the heartstrings of anyone who’s felt the sting of infidelity, employing a bluesy groove to underscore a saga of romantic betrayal and the prospect of karmic redemption.
Despite its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus, the song’s lyrics unravel a tale of love and loss, pain and retribution – covered in the universal sheen of popular rock. But therein lies a deeper resonance that beckons a closer listen, a dive beneath the surface of its catchy hook, to explore the true meaning of Steve Perry’s lyrical confessions.
Behind the Tears: A Tale of Two Lovers
The song’s powerful opening lines immediately convey the protagonist’s deep agony. ‘You make me weep, And wanna die,’ echoes both as a powerful accusation and a candid admission of vulnerability. The choice to juxtapose those feelings against ‘Lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’,’ not only emphasizes the intimate betrayal but also signifies an intimate connection that once was – and now is painfully missed.
As we wade through the emotional cascade of the lyrics, it’s almost palpable, the cycle of ardor and anguish that defines a romance gone sour. But it’s not just about the protagonists’ love; it introduces us to the universal dance of relationships where euphoria and despair are often entwined.
The Visceral Chorus: An Ode to Jealousy
Beyond the verses, the song’s chorus stands as an emotional zenith, repeatedly highlighting the physical aspect of betrayal. When Steve Perry belts out the title words, it’s a melodic embodiment of the pain caused by envisioning a loved one engrossed in acts of affection with another. This graphical mnemonic is effective in evoking a sense of shared emotional experience among listeners.
It’s a masterful stroke, crafting a sing-along worthy chorus that urges the listener to vocalize and thereby exorcise their inner turmoil. The camaraderie of communal singing that this chorus invites is perhaps one of the reasons the song still resonates with audiences, years after its release.
The Hidden Meaning: A Cycle of Infidelity
The brilliance of the song lies in its anticipation of the karmic wheel turning. ‘It won’t be long, yes, ‘Til you’re alone,’ subtly shifts the narrative from suffering to impending justice. The torment the protagonist endures is now projected onto the unfaithful partner – a dramatic twist that suggests a larger commentary on the nature of infidelity and the inevitability of consequence.
By highlighting this inevitability, the song reflects on the universal truth that no action goes without reaction, and in the realm of love, betrayal is a two-edged sword that ultimately wounds the wielder.
The Climactic Crescendo: A Turn to Vindication
The refrain, ‘Now, it’s your turn girl, to cry,’ marks a climactic pivot in the narrative. It’s not a spiteful curse, but a declaration of the natural order reasserting itself. This reversal is where the protagonist finds strength, an emotional climax providing catharsis not just for the song’s character, but also, vicariously, for the listener.
There’s a potent mix of melancholy and satisfaction in these lines, a nuanced emotion that underscores much of Journey’s work. The song itself then provides not just a narrative arc, but a psychological journey from sorrow to solace, reflected in the faithful lap of rhythm and melody.
Memorable Lines: The Na-na-na Chorus and the Echoes of Emotion
Closing out the song, the ‘Na na na na na na’ chorus is as insidiously catchy as it is poignant. This onomatopoetic mimicry acts as a release valve for the intense emotional content of the song. The seemingly nonsensical syllables take on a life of their own, allowing us to express a complex cocktail of emotions that lyrics alone cannot encapsulate.
‘Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin” endures as a pop culture staple not just for its narrative or melodic strength, but also for how these elements amalgamate to create a musical outlet for the shared human experience of betrayal and the promise of comeuppance. It’s this formula that etches the song into the pantheon of classic rock anthems.
