The strait-laced couple are attending Open Mic Night at the new coffee house, remodeled from an old jail. The couple are drifting apart; he desperately hangs onto her shoulder, while she sits cross-armed, not wanting to be cozy with him. She wants more out of a relationship, maybe something more “dirty.” Her “come hither” invitation is noticed, not only by the singer, but by his “ole lady” on the other side of Mr. Button-up. Allen Ginsberg, on the end, is taking in all this, sneaking a peek at the parting sea, but also anticipating a good fight.
This is Velvet Underground’s “The Gift” song about Waldo & Marsha.