Song Meaning
Curtis Stigers’ "In Between Love" isn't a straightforward declaration of romantic bliss; it's an exploration of the liminal space where genuine connection wrestles with calculated pursuit. The song circles a central tension: the dichotomy between *being* in love and *trying* to be in love, the 'scheme love' as Stigers puts it. This push and pull suggests a protagonist caught between authentic emotion and a more strategic, perhaps even cynical, approach to relationships.
The phrase 'in between love' becomes a recurring motif, underscoring the uncertain ground the narrator occupies. He acknowledges a past where he 'never thought [he'd] get caught' by love, hinting at a guarded heart now surprised by the ease and 'cool and breezy' nature of this newfound connection. This ease is juxtaposed against the earlier 'scheming,' implying a shedding of pretense in favor of something more natural and fulfilling. The 'magic in your eyes' represents the raw, undeniable pull that transcends calculation.
The notion of sublimating love 'to the feelings in my mind' is particularly telling. It suggests an attempt to intellectualize or control the experience, to process it through the filter of reason rather than surrendering fully to the emotional current. Ultimately, "In Between Love" captures the vulnerability inherent in navigating the complexities of modern romance. It's about recognizing the potential for genuine connection while simultaneously battling the ingrained habits of self-protection and strategic maneuvering.