It's A Pity

Tanya Stephens' song 'It's A Pity' delves into the complex emotions of a woman who is in love with a man who is already married. The lyrics express the narrator's deep feelings for this man and her wish that they could be together. However, she acknowledges the reality of the situation – he has a wife, and she respects that boundary. The song is a candid exploration of the pain and frustration that comes with loving someone you cannot have, and the respect for existing relationships that prevents her from acting on her desires.

The song also touches on the theme of societal norms and the 'stupid rules of sin' that dictate what is acceptable in love and relationships. Stephens fantasizes about a world where they could share the man 'in a civilized manner,' suggesting a longing for a different societal structure where her feelings could be openly acknowledged and perhaps even fulfilled. The repeated chorus 'It's a pity' underscores the sense of regret and the unfortunate circumstances that keep her and the man apart.

Despite the yearning, Stephens' lyrics convey a strong sense of morality and respect for the man's family. She refuses to be a 'matey' (a Jamaican term for a mistress) and does not want to disrupt his life. The song is a poignant narrative of unrequited love, tempered by the narrator's ethical stance and her unwillingness to cause harm, even though it leaves her with a sense of loss and unfulfilled desire.