Bell was known to have deep confusion and inner turmoil regarding his sexuality, as told in Rich Tupica’s “There Was A Light”, the Oral History of the band ‘Big Star’ with Chris Bell at the centre. This confusion was a big part of Bell’s transition into a born again Christian.

Within the song, the narrator tells of a relationship that fills him with joy but confusion and angst prevail. He doesn’t want to let this person go, because they make him feel so good, but there is another part in him that feels it’s not right. He doesn’t know what he wants, what’s best for him – even the ending of the song leaves no closure, this sentiment is sung until the very last second.

Given the history of being LGBT+ in America in the 1970’s, it wasn’t an uncommon feeling to be had amongst the gay adjacent population.