Oh Pretty Woman

The speaker addresses a woman he finds attractive but believes does not return his feelings. At first, he criticizes her use of makeup, suggesting that her natural beauty is enough. The mood then shifts from teasing criticism to hurt and frustration: he says she has played around with his emotions, yet nothing he does can make her love him. By the end, the repeated refrain sounds more like weary acceptance than a real attempt to persuade her.

“Rising sun” suggests something bright or naturally beautiful, supporting his claim that paint and powder are unnecessary. Calling her a “stepping stone” implies that she is using his feelings as a means to get somewhere else, rather than valuing him. The image of being unable to “wade” through deep water warns that her choices may eventually leave her in a difficult situation; it is a figurative prediction, not a literal event.

The lyrics present the speaker’s perspective, not an objective account of the woman’s behavior. His complaints may express genuine hurt, but they also sound judgmental: he criticizes her appearance and choices while still wanting her affection. “What’s the matter with you?” could be a reproach, an expression of confusion, or both. The ending leaves the central fact unresolved: he cannot control whether she loves him.