Speak Plainly, Diana- An Explanation

Lyrics to the song Speak Plainly, Diana by Joe Pug:

Speak plainly, Diana

There's nothing to understand

Yes there's mysteries in the basement

But there's comic books upstairs

And there's a wrecking ball in the front yard

But there's blueprints on the couch

Speak plainly to me, Diana

We'll build ourselves a house, said...

There's no safety, Diana

And there's nobody to blame

Even daylight will surprise you

Even dreams will end the same

So when there's too much to remember

And you remember me

Speak plainly to me, Diana

We're swimming to the sea, said...

I don't mind ridin' around

I don't mind ridin' around

I don't mind ridin' around

No, I don't mind ridin' around

I don't mind ridin' around

No, I don't mind ridin' around

I don't mind ridin' around

No, I don't mind ridin' around

Come lately, Diana

And quit what's got you down

Steal from the tallest cabinet

And make your favorite sound

And when there's too much to get rid of

And you get rid of me

Speak plainly to me, Diana

There's nothing you must be, said...

I don't mind ridin' around

I don't mind ridin' around

I don't mind ridin' around

No, I don't mind ridin' around

This is a love song. The singer, Joe Pug, is telling the story from his point of view, I believe. He loves this girl, Diana. He accepts her as herself, and tells her there's nothing she has to be, and that they will have a beautiful future together if she wants that. He will love her no matter what, though. But everything is not entirely what it seems with Diana- there is a dark undertone to the story, maybe she is depressed or something has happened in the past to not make this a perfect ending. He is saying that even if she had a dark past, everything is happy now and he will do everything to keep it that way. He will destroy her bad memories, and is ready to make new good ones. He will protect her with his love. I think he does know, however, that she will eventually move on because that is just her nature, but he does not mind, because the short time he got to spend with her was better than no time at all. It is a bittersweet ending, but also hopeful.

Listening to the actual song (linked above) enhances the experience. Joe Pug has a southern twang to his voice, which adds to the mournful crooning throughout most of the song. When he draws out certain words or phrases, the listener knows what Joe Pug wants them to listen to specifically, and this helps to understand the greater meaning of the song.