Learn English – “You turned the page, I burned the book” meaning

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"You turned the page, I burned the book"

What is the meaning of this quote?

According to the dictionary, "turn the page" means

to begin to behave in a more positive way after a period of
difficulties

This can also mean moving on to a new chapter in life. However, I am unable to figure out the meaning behind "I burned the book". Does the book signify life? What does "burned the book" represent if "turning the page" means moving on?

Best Answer

If you are asking for literary interpretation of a new phrase, here goes.

In the little context given, burning the book sounds like the writer is taking the expression turning the page to its logical conclusion: You turned one page, I turned / burned every page.

You have made a small change in attitude, and I have made the most radical of changes! You have moved on from XYZ. I have destroyed any memory (burned) of the entire incident (the book). Wait, what incident was that anyway?

See, for comparison, the lyrics to Gotye's Somebody That I Used To Know: 

Have your friends collect your records and then change your number
I guess that I don't need that though
Now you're just somebody that I used to know.
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