Here We Go

Shelter's song 'Here We Go' delves into the complexities and repetitive nature of romantic relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of two individuals who use love and sex interchangeably, each hoping to find fulfillment in the other. The line 'Just see he uses love for sex / And sure she uses sex for love' highlights the transactional nature of their relationship, where both parties are seeking something deeper but are caught in a cycle of superficial exchanges. This dynamic is further emphasized by the recurring theme of hope and disillusionment, as they 'place a blindfold on our eyes' and continue to 'play the game' despite past failures.

The metaphor of 'iron and gold' is particularly striking, symbolizing the difficulty in distinguishing between what is truly valuable and what is not. 'Iron and gold appear the same / It's intense hope that makes us try' suggests that the characters are often deceived by appearances, leading them to invest in relationships that ultimately prove to be unworthy. This metaphor extends to the broader theme of learning from mistakes, as the song acknowledges the tendency to repeat past errors despite knowing better. The refrain 'We loved not wisely but too well' encapsulates this sentiment, indicating a deep emotional investment that lacks prudence.

The song also touches on the inevitability of these cycles, as expressed in the lines 'Here we go again / Ran into many walls but I know I'll get that answer.' Despite the repeated failures and heartbreaks, there is an underlying optimism and determination to find true love. This resilience is both a strength and a flaw, as it drives the characters to keep searching but also traps them in a loop of unwise decisions. Shelter's 'Here We Go' is a poignant exploration of the human condition, capturing the hope, disillusionment, and relentless pursuit of love that defines many romantic experiences.