Is She Really Going Out with Him? (Joe Jackson )
There's Something About Mary
The Agony of Unrequited Love in 'Is She Really Going Out with Him?'
Joe Jackson's song 'Is She Really Going Out with Him?' captures the raw emotions of jealousy and confusion experienced by someone who feels overlooked in the realm of love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the protagonist observing attractive women, whom he refers to as 'pretty women,' walking with men he deems unworthy, metaphorically calling them 'gorillas.' This stark contrast highlights his disbelief and frustration as he watches from his window, his coffee growing cold, symbolizing his stagnant and unfulfilled emotional state.
The chorus is a repetitive, almost desperate plea for clarity: 'Is she really going out with him?' This line underscores the protagonist's incredulity and sense of injustice. He cannot fathom why these women, including a lady he used to know, would choose partners he perceives as inferior. The repetition of the question amplifies his inner turmoil and the sense that something is fundamentally wrong in his world.
As the song progresses, the protagonist's feelings intensify. He prepares to attend parties, hoping to impress, but is met with further disappointment when he sees Jeannie with her new boyfriend. The line 'They say that looks don't count for much and so there goes your proof' suggests a societal commentary on superficial judgments and the protagonist's struggle to reconcile this with his own experiences. The bridge, with its menacing tone, 'But if looks could kill, there's a man there who's marked down as dead,' reveals the depth of his anger and helplessness. Ultimately, the song encapsulates the pain of unrequited love and the bewildering nature of romantic choices, leaving the protagonist questioning the fairness of it all.
