Yard Sale
Ben Harper / Jack Johnson Lyrics

In "Yard Sale" by Ben Harper and Jack Johnson, the lyrics paint a picture of a relationship coming to an end. The opening lines describe a woman gathering her belongings, indicating that she is leaving the singer's life. The mention of "goodbye sex" suggests that their intimate connection may have been one of the last attempts to salvage their relationship. However, as the singer looks out the window, he sees another man waiting for her, symbolizing that she truly is leaving and moving on.

The chorus of the song suggests that love can sometimes feel like a yard sale. Strangers come into your life, unknowingly holding power over your future and bargaining for your past. The metaphor of a yard sale represents the transient nature of love, how people can come and go, leaving a mark on your life and taking pieces of your heart with them. It emphasizes that once these connections are broken, there are no returns or second chances, even though deep down inside, the singer recognizes this truth.

The second verse conveys the passage of time since the breakup. The singer admits to losing track of time, indicating how deeply affected he is by the loss. The mention of hearing the ex-partner's name mentioned suggests that reminders of her still exist in his everyday life. He wonders if she ever thinks about him, highlighting the lingering thoughts and unanswered questions that can accompany the end of a relationship. The singer acknowledges his lack of understanding in fully comprehending the reasons behind the breakup but holds onto the belief that she is truly gone for good.

Repeating the phrase "gone for good" in the chorus emphasizes the finality of the breakup. The repetition further reinforces the singer's acceptance that the relationship is over and that he has no hope of rekindling it. Despite the pain and longing, he has come to terms with the fact that she has moved on and is no longer a part of his life. The song ends with the repetition of the assertion that he is "pretty sure she's gone for good," highlighting his resigned acceptance of the situation.