In this song, the narrator is caught up in a fleeting love interest. He isn't interested in a long-term relationship with this person, but wants to let himself be free for awhile ("My imagination runs away"). The lines "Cradle songs for a midlife / don't forget to pass me by" imply that the narrator may be going through a midlife crisis-type situation with this other person, but doesn't want to do anything to slow it down at the present time. The line "Before all the flames burn out" tells us that he knows his feelings for this person will fade, but wants to take advantage of the moment and make the most of these romantic feelings.