Song Meaning
The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that has weathered extreme storms, defying all statistical probability of failure. The narrator directly confronts the immense odds against their survival, stating the chances of staying together were "less than none." This sets a tone of hard-won resilience, acknowledging past hurts and moments where the relationship teetered on the brink of collapse. It’s a testament to enduring something that seemed destined to fail from the start.
This isn't a story of effortless romance; it's about a love that was actively tested and pushed to its limits. The narrator admits they "hurt each other many times" and "reached the point where love was on the line." This raw honesty about conflict and pain is crucial. The core tension lies in the deliberate choice to endure these trials, to "see how much our love could take" rather than to succumb to the pressure. It suggests a conscious effort to preserve something deeply valued.
The central metaphor of bending without breaking is incredibly effective. The lyrics state, "We tried it 'til we bent it but we never let it break." This imagery powerfully conveys the strain and flexibility required to maintain the relationship. It implies that while the love was stretched and tested, its fundamental integrity remained intact. This resilience is further emphasized by the idea of wearing love "thin" but never "out," suggesting a persistent, though sometimes strained, emotional core.
Ultimately, the song's impact comes from its defiant affirmation of survival against overwhelming odds. The repeated refrain, "through it all our love survived," isn't just a statement of fact; it's a declaration of victory. The narrator acknowledges the difficulty and the pain, but the enduring feeling and the fact that love made it through are presented as the ultimate, undeniable outcome. It’s a powerful message about commitment and the strength found in enduring hardship together.