Song meaning of Betty Oshawa by Fred Eaglesmith

The song "Betty Oshawa" by Fred Eaglesmith tells the story of a failed musical partnership and the regret that comes with it. The narrator reflects on his past relationship with Betty Oshawa, with whom he formed a band. They played together in various venues, even though they didn't particularly enjoy the popular songs they performed. The narrator's ego and refusal to compromise ultimately strained their relationship.

The song suggests that the narrator's lack of understanding for Betty and his unwillingness to appreciate her preferences led to their downfall. Betty eventually achieved success with a record deal and moved to Los Angeles, while the narrator remains stuck in a mundane job. When Betty occasionally performs in their hometown, she tries to reconnect with the narrator, leaving her number, but he chooses not to reach out. However, he admits that he still loves hearing her songs on the radio.

The song implies that the narrator's arrogance and failure to recognize Betty's talent and individuality were his biggest mistakes. The regret he feels showcases the missed opportunities caused by his misplaced pride. In the end, with his realization and love for Betty's music still present, the lyrics illustrate a sense of longing for redemption and a desire to make amends for his past actions.