the song’s emotional engine relies on an expression of what could be offered, and—like in so many of these kinds of songs—what can be offered ain’t much. Look, the song says with a half-shrug, no one will love you like we can. Yes, the wide world has more to offer you than we’ve got here. The coasts are more beautiful. There is a shortcut to glory that does not run through Northeast Ohio. But no one will love you like we love you here. How can we get you to believe that’s enough?
