Waterhole
Marillion Lyrics

When the taxis gather in mock Solemnity
As taxis pull together in a symbolic show of respect, it's clear that such an act is simply done to create an air of solemnity rather than to honor anything noteworthy.

Funeral hearses court the death of virginity
Just as funeral processions commemorate someone's life after it has ended, the death of one's virginity might be marked by the display of hearses, but ultimately, it's still the end of something.

Was it paradise lost or paradise found?
Whether the discovery of something was a blessing or a curse depends on what one has uncovered and whether or not they are happy about it.

Did we gain respect or were we holding ground?
When we strive for respect or just try not to lose face, it can be difficult to know whether we have truly grown or just kept from losing what we already had.

You had found true love, or so you believed
Despite sincerely and fervently feeling like it, the artist suggests that one can still be mistaken about finding true love.

And the wide boys tattooed your hearts upon their sleeves
The charming men who sweep others off their feet and into their good graces might be wearing their hearts on their sleeves as a show of vulnerability, but ultimately they're revealing how little they really care about the love they inspire.

So when you think it's time to go
When the moment comes to leave a place or a relationship behind, the singer suggests that it might be better to do so and move on rather than holding onto false hopes and wishes.

Don't be surprised, the heroes never show
Even if one was hoping for a savior or a better outcome, the artist points out that such dreams may not come true and it's best not to count on anyone else but oneself for salvation.

And the patter merchants selling false impressions
People who flatter and peddle illusions to others might seem charming and persuasive, but in reality their words are often empty or dishonest.

Tipping eyes at the waitress with American expressions
Even wait staff and service people put on a show by pretending to be more friendly or accommodating than they really feel, especially when serving or receiving tips from American customers who might be more generous than others.

Tie angels to the bar with sweet Martini's and their charms
People try to sweeten up situations and themselves with strong drinks (like bar patrons trying to pick up dates with cocktails) but in reality, what they're doing is trying to tie their own hands and become helpless or hopeless.

They're lying on every word and every arm
Those who try to win affection or favor by being charming tend to be disingenuous and insincere, using every means possible to get what they want, even if it means betraying others and losing credibility.

They're turning down their noses to the best lines
Even those who think they are too smart or too refined for everyone else might miss out on the best things life has to offer, simply because they're too busy looking down on others and not appreciating what they have.

And the cheap wines
Just as some sophisticates miss out on the best things in life, so too might those who are too judgmental or picky about the things they enjoy, even if they are cheap or easily accessible.

And the wide boys
These charming but manipulative men are back again, showing how their false flattery, persuasive ways, and overall bad behavior ruin things for others and themselves.

They wear their love bites for their crimes
Even if they have won the hearts of others, the artist suggests that the price of such victories might not be worth it, as they leave behind only injuries and regrets.