The song "Around the Girl in 80 Ways" by Big Audio Dynamite explores the various ways in which the narrator tries to express his affection for a woman. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is infatuated with this girl, but struggles to openly convey his emotions. Instead, he relies on a multitude of gestures, actions, and substitutes to demonstrate his feelings, possibly because he fears rejection or vulnerability.

The phrase "around the girl in 80 ways" implies that the narrator has tried numerous approaches or strategies to catch the girl's attention. These approaches include offering flowers, speaking kind words, and tipping his hat, among other things. However, despite his efforts, it seems that the girl remains oblivious or indifferent to his advances.

The repeated line "80 ways around the girl, most of them I know" suggests that the narrator has exhausted many different methods but still hasn't achieved the desired outcome. These attempts may serve as substitutes for expressing the genuine emotions he keeps hidden. He might be employing these substitutes as a way to maintain some distance and protect himself from potential rejection or heartache.

The lyrics also touch on the importance of communication and understanding in a relationship. The narrator mentions making phone calls, admitting mistakes, and showing consideration for the girl's preferences. This suggests that he recognizes the need for these actions to establish a meaningful connection with her.

The song highlights the paradox of the narrator's actions. On one hand, he is exerting effort and trying various approaches to win the girl's affection. On the other hand, he acknowledges that all his methods are substitutes for the real feelings he fails to express directly. This internal struggle between vulnerability and self-preservation is a recurring theme throughout the song.

In summary, "Around the Girl in 80 Ways" delves into the complexities of romantic pursuit, exploring the narrator's attempts to express his hidden emotions through substitutes and gestures. It delves into the fear of vulnerability and rejection while emphasizing the importance of genuine communication and understanding in a relationship.