The Meaning Behind The Song: Him by Rupert Holmes
The Meaning Behind The Song: “Him” by Rupert Holmes
Introduction:
When it comes to Rupert Holmes, most of us immediately think of his iconic 70s hit, “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)”. However, there’s another gem in his discography that often goes unnoticed – “Him”. In this article, I want to delve into the meaning behind this lesser-known hit and share my personal experiences with the song.
Table of Contents
Verse 1:
The opening lines of “Him” set the scene perfectly, as Holmes sings about discovering a pack of cigarettes near the window. The cigarettes aren’t his brand, and he quickly realizes that his partner is hiding something. She brushes it off, claiming it belongs to a friend, but Holmes isn’t fooled. He might not be blind to the truth, but she seems to be blind to his realization.
Chorus:
The chorus of “Him” captures the essence of the song’s dilemma. Holmes asks, “What’s she gonna do about him?” He knows that she will have to choose between him or the mysterious “him”. It’s a classic ultimatum of love, where no one gets to have it all. The choice is clear – it’s either Holmes or this “him” she’s involved with.
Verse 2:
In the second verse, Holmes admits he doesn’t know who this “him” is or what he looks like. He wonders why his partner believed he would be okay with sharing her affections. While he doesn’t want to possess her, he also can’t tolerate being part of a love triangle. Three is indeed one too many, and he insists that she must choose.
Verse 3:
“Him” concludes with a message of acceptance. Holmes realizes that if his partner truly wants “him”, she can have him. However, it means saying goodbye to their own relationship and going back to just “me and her” without the interference of this other person. It’s a moment of self-empowerment where Holmes acknowledges that he deserves better.
Personal Connection:
I remember stumbling upon “Him” during a late-night YouTube rabbit hole. At first, I was captivated by Holmes’ smooth vocals and the catchy melody. But as I paid closer attention to the lyrics, I couldn’t help but relate to the feelings of betrayal and confusion portrayed in the song.
Infidelity is a topic that often causes immense pain and heartbreak, and “Him” encapsulates those emotions perfectly. Holmes’ honest and raw portrayal of the situation resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of being cheated on or lied to.
Conclusion:
“Him” may not have reached the same level of commercial success as Holmes’ other hit, but it certainly carries emotional weight. This often-forgotten gem showcases Holmes’ talents as a singer-songwriter who can capture complex emotions within a few minutes of music.
Next time you find yourself diving into a playlist, give “Him” a chance. Let Holmes’ heartfelt lyrics and soothing voice give you a glimpse into the challenging world of love, trust, and betrayal. As for me, every time I listen to “Him,” I’m reminded of the power of music to connect us through shared experiences of heartache and resilience.
