'Escape (The Piña Colada Song)' and What We Can Learn from That Slice of Life.
- DBarrera_813
- Jan 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 14
It was a lazy Sunday afternoon. My wife and I had just finished our household chores, and we were relaxing with some soft background music on 'Yacht Rock Radio'. Somewhere between the sunlight through the window and the sound of the ice clinking in our glasses, Rupert Holmes’, 'Escape (The Piña Colada Song)' came on.
Now, I’ve heard that song a hundred times before, but that day I actually listened. The melody was smooth, the vibe soft and breezy, but the lyrics…they caught my attention in a way they never had before.
If you haven’t heard the song before, the story goes like this: a man is lying next to his partner, feeling tired of their relationship, “like a worn out recording of a favorite song.”
While she sleeps, he reads a personal ad that says:
“If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain, If you're not into yoga, if you have half a brain. If you like making love at midnight in the dunes of the cape, Then I'm the love that you've looked for. Write to me and escape.”
Something about that ad awakens something deep within him.
He decides to "take out a personal ad" and writes back.
He plans to meet the mystery woman at a bar called O'Malley's, secretly hoping for something new and exciting.
And then, of course, comes the twist, when he finally meets her, it turns out to be his partner.
“I knew her smile in an instant, I knew the curve of her face...It was my own lovely lady, and she said, ‘Oh, it’s you.’”
The line, "Oh, it's you", always makes me laugh.
You can almost hear the mix of shock, sarcasm, and maybe even relief in her voice.
But as a therapist, that’s also the moment my “spidey sense” kicked in.
The Real Lesson Hidden in the Lyrics
That final moment in the song, where they recognize each other, is fascinating to me.
Instead of rage or shame, there’s laughter.
Maybe even curiosity.
In that instant, they both realize something powerful: they still want the same things.
They’ve just forgotten how to tell each other.
As a therapist, I’ve seen that exact moment play out in couples’ work.
Sometimes, after years of drifting apart, people rediscover who they used to be together, the playful, curious versions of themselves that got buried under the monotony of bills, routines, and exhaustion. They forgot why they connected with each other and stopped being curious to the point they became bored and disinterested in each other.
Thankfully, there is a way out of that rut...but, that kind of reconnection takes courage.
It starts with a question that’s both scary and freeing:
“How did we get here?”
That question can lead to honest conversations, forgiveness, and sometimes a rediscovery of mental, emotional, and physical intimacy that’s even deeper than before.
Some couples find it hard to move past the initial accusations and the self-righteous indignation that often follows. Sadly, many don’t make it past this stage and eventually divorce.
But if they can survive that storm, if they choose to preserve what’s left and try to repair it, the real work of forgiveness and reconciliation can begin.
In the couples I’ve seen move through that tumultuous phase, something remarkable happens. They start to rediscover what first drew them together.
That's the gateway and then, if they go deeper, their focus shifts to reconnecting and rebuilding a playful intimacy, the kind that invites vulnerability and draws them closer once again.
Why This Song Still Resonates
I think 'Escape (The Piña Colada Song)' endures because it captures something timeless.
It’s funny, yes, but it’s also real.
It’s about the longing we all have to be seen, heard, and to feel alive in our romantic relationships.
Sometimes, the spark we’re searching for isn’t out there with someone new.
It’s probably laying right beside us, we’ve just stopped being curious and, most importantly, paying attention.
If you want to listen to 'The Piña Colada Song', you can click on this link.
Want to Explore How to Rediscover Each Other?
If after reading through this blog and maybe listening to the song, you felt a stirring of something feeling familiar.
Sometimes, all it takes is one honest conversation to see things in a new light.
We can have a FREE No-Obligation 20 minute conversation to see if you want to rediscover the person you fell in love with.
About The Author
My name is Daniel Barrera, M.Ed., C.A.R.T., LPC Associate.
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Texas, and I work with people who are facing tough challenges in life. My goal is to help you understand yourself more clearly, break free from old patterns, and build healthier relationships at home, at work, and within yourself.
I believe real change starts with self-awareness and self-compassion. With those tools, healing becomes possible, growth feels natural, and new opportunities open up.
Blog Disclaimer
The content on this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional mental health care. Reading these posts does not establish a therapeutic relationship, and the information provided should not be used as a substitute for personalized mental health treatment.
If you are experiencing distress, struggling with your mental health, or believe you may have a mental health condition, please consult a licensed mental health professional who can assess your unique situation and provide appropriate guidance.
In case of a mental health emergency, please seek immediate support by contacting 911 or a mental health crisis hotline such as 988, reaching out to a qualified professional, or going to your nearest emergency facility.
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