(Where Do I Begin) Love Story

Song Meaning

The narrator grapples with how to articulate a love that feels both ancient and brand new. He opens by questioning the starting point of his narrative, suggesting the depth of his partner's impact defies simple chronology. The love is described as "older than the sea," a powerful image implying its timeless, fundamental nature, yet it's also a "simple truth" that arrived with her "first 'Hello.'" This contrast highlights how a singular, recent event can reframe an entire existence. The central tension lies in the narrator's awe and slight bewilderment at the magnitude of this love. He admits, "I have no answers now," regarding its longevity or how to quantify it. However, this uncertainty doesn't diminish his conviction; instead, it fuels a profound sense of security and belonging. Her presence transforms his world from "empty" to one filled with "angels' songs" and "wild imaginings," eradicating loneliness. The lyrics masterfully employ hyperbole to convey the overwhelming nature of this affection. The idea that she "fills my heart" with such profound elements, and that he will "need her 'til the stars all burn away," pushes the boundaries of conventional romantic expression. This cosmic scale of commitment, juxtaposed with the intimate detail of her "first 'Hello,'" underscores the extraordinary power this one person holds over his perception of reality and time. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their earnest, almost childlike wonder. The narrator isn't trying to be poetic; he's genuinely struggling to find words for an experience that has fundamentally altered his world. The repeated questioning of "Where do I begin?" and "How long does it last?" isn't a sign of doubt, but rather a testament to a love so vast it challenges the very frameworks we use to understand it.