Him

Rupert Holmes' song 'Him' delves into the emotional turmoil of a man who discovers his partner may be unfaithful. The lyrics paint a picture of a man who has found a pack of cigarettes that do not belong to him, which serves as a symbol for the presence of another man in his partner's life. The discovery leads to a confrontation where the protagonist demands clarity and honesty, unwilling to share his partner's affection with another person.

The song's chorus, 'Him, him, him, what's she gonna do about him,' reflects the protagonist's ultimatum to his partner: she must choose between him and the other man. The repetition of 'me, me, me' emphasizes his insistence on being the sole focus of her love and commitment. The protagonist is clear that he does not wish to 'own' his partner but cannot accept a situation where he is one of multiple options. The song captures the pain and decisiveness of someone who is drawing a line in the sand, demanding exclusivity in a relationship.

Holmes' narrative is relatable to anyone who has faced infidelity or the fear of it. The song's resolution is left open, but the protagonist's stance is clear: he will not be part of a love triangle. The emotional weight of the song is carried by the tension between love and betrayal, and the difficult choices that must be made when trust is broken.