Song meaning of All the things she gave me - 2002 remastered version by The Waterboys

The lyrics of "All the things she gave me" by The Waterboys convey a sense of longing, loss, and the struggle to let go of a past relationship. The protagonist reflects on the things that their former lover had given them, which are now a burden. These "things" represent emotional baggage, memories, and reminders of the past. The big brown box symbolizes their attempt to gather and contain these items, demonstrating their desire to move on.

The encounter with the watchman emphasizes the late hour, suggesting that the protagonist is avoiding facing reality and trying to escape from their emotions. They express a desire to burn or hide these gifts, longing to find a place where they won't have to confront the pain associated with the past relationship.

The dark and cold city represents the protagonist's internal emotional state. The reference to the devil playing poker with souls reflects the internal struggle they are experiencing. The protagonist's dreams about churches, spires, and fire symbolize their desire to release and let go of these cherished possessions.

Overall, the lyrics convey the message of the difficulty of moving on from a past relationship and the struggle to find closure. The protagonist is caught between the desire to let go of the memories and the pain of holding onto them. The song explores the universal theme of letting go and finding peace within oneself after a breakup.