True Love Way lyrics

I think theres alot of hidden meaning behind the lyrics of this song! I think by just reading the first verse its about a guy who really loves a girl (maybe a friend? or an associate?) 'I want in, like a substitute' he wants to be a stand-in or replacement lover. 'Ive been working awful hard for you, but you dont say you just hold your breath'. He's putting in alot of time for for her, but she doesnt appreciate or understand this? she obviously does'nt feel the same way as he does? I think the chorus he's trying to persuade himself that things are better the way they are, 'we'd be so free, happy alone' because otherwise things would get too complicated, friends who become lovers often lead to complications/. In the second chorus he admits that he doesnt want to be just friends, 'making a song, making me lie'.
'It's the hard part but the true love way'= now admitting he loves her, and even though he wishes they could have something more he knows its for the best.
'She's wanted like wanted man'= he wants her like a wanted man.
Maybe this is a stereotypical take on the song? but to me the lyrics are quite close to home, alot of the lyrics remind me of my thoughts in a previous relationship. I think caleb is very clever at writing lyrics, he uses alot of hidden meanings and connotations.