Boxer
The Lovers Lyrics


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What a drag not to know how you are, or which of us got the raw deal. I was a dagger but in whose heart? I was the dirt beneath whose wheel? Boxer, don't knock me down. Writer, don't write me out. Stranger, let's not stay estranged. Lover, are we going separate ways? And don't I get a say? Hey, hey, hey. What a drag not to know how you are. What a drag not to know how you feel. I tore the banner around your heart. I tore the banner that said "ideal." Today I'm thinking of you in a new way.




Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Lovers' song "Boxer" expresses the confusion, frustration, and uncertainty of a romantic relationship that has gone awry. The singer is uncertain of where they stand with their significant other, not knowing if they are still together or if they have gone their separate ways. The repeated chorus of "Boxer, don't knock me down. Writer, don't write me out. Stranger, let's not stay estranged. Lover, are we going separate ways? And don't I get a say? Hey, hey, hey" is a plea to their partner to not push them away or decide their fate without their input, suggesting that they want to have a say in the matter and potentially salvage the relationship.


The singer also expresses feelings of guilt or regret for actions that may have contributed to the deterioration of the relationship. They question if they were the ones to hurt their partner or if they were the victim. The lyric "I was a dagger but in whose heart? I was the dirt beneath whose wheel?" suggests that they may have caused pain for their partner, but they are unsure of who was ultimately in the wrong.


Despite the uncertainty and turmoil in the relationship, the singer ends the song with a note of hope, stating that they are thinking of their partner in a new way. This implies that they are willing to work on the relationship and find a way forward together.


Line by Line Meaning

What a drag not to know how you are, or which of us got the raw deal.
It's frustrating to not know each other's feelings and who's at fault in our relationship.


I was a dagger but in whose heart?
I was a harmful force in our relationship, but I'm not sure who I hurt most.


I was the dirt beneath whose wheel?
I was the one who was constantly getting hurt, ignored, and stepped on.


Boxer, don't knock me down.
Don't give up on me or hurt me even more.


Writer, don't write me out.
Don't erase me from your life, memories or stories.


Stranger, let's not stay estranged.
Let's reconnect and overcome this distance between us.


Lover, are we going separate ways?
Is our relationship coming to an end or will we fight to save it?


And don't I get a say? Hey, hey, hey.
I deserve a voice and a say in this relationship.


What a drag not to know how you are.
It's saddening not to understand your feelings or state of mind.


What a drag not to know how you feel.
It's frustrating to not know the depth of your emotions and desires.


I tore the banner around your heart.
I destroyed the image of love and happiness that you once believed in.


I tore the banner that said 'ideal.'
I ruined the idealized version of love that we used to share.


Today I'm thinking of you in a new way.
I'm starting to understand my own feelings for you differently.




Contributed by Landon K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@pixinyibarra454

which of us got the raw deal.
I was a dagger but in whose heart?
I was the dirt beneath whose wheel?
Boxer, don't knock me down.
Writer, don't write me out.
Stranger, let's not stay estranged.
Lover, are we going separate ways?
And don't I get a say?
Hey, hey, hey.
What a drag not to know how you are.
What a drag not to know how you feel.
I tore the banner around your heart.
I tore the banner that said "ideal."
Today I'm thinking of you in a new way.



All comments from YouTube:

@WelfareChrist

this album was the soundtrack of an 8 year relationship for me, and revisiting this album its like all the good memories are still there so grateful

@CoolTransLuke

where are they now? do you know? Just came across a song on my Spotify by them that i had saved years ago and wanted to look them up again. Hope they haven’t disbanded!

@ebonydances

love this song

@utilizelife9556

With All due Respect...No male voices here. Only Great ladies voices..... You're music is spot on for Us who don't wanna Drive over Civics in Traffic. Thanks again.

@oywidapoodles

Man, the band is just as hot as the song. Loved their song "Honea" forever.

@conversescooby

When the singer randomly raised the roof that was rad. Need to see more of them

@MrRastaManDan

My kids love this song, 2 girls and a boy ages 3,6 and 8 for what its worth!

@deadfreya

This slaps

@girlplaymm

I am hooked!

@alvaro.martinez

Oh my god I love this song

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