Song Meaning

This song paints a picture of a love that's ended but still burns intensely, shrouded in secrecy. The narrator directly addresses a past lover, lamenting their current separation with a stark progression: "We used to be / We now / We not / We no more." This rapid dissolution highlights the pain of what's lost. Yet, the desire remains potent, with the narrator claiming they'd "love you even more" if the person returned, underscoring the enduring, perhaps even amplified, feelings. The core tension lies in the forbidden or hidden nature of this affection. The repeated plea to "keep it low" and the explicit declaration "it's a secret love" reveal a relationship that cannot be openly acknowledged. This secrecy isn't just a detail; it's the defining characteristic, the very condition under which the love exists or is remembered. The narrator struggles to articulate this complexity, admitting, "I try to explain it / It's complicated," suggesting the reasons for the secrecy are profound and difficult to convey. The most striking aspect is the paradoxical nature of the love: it's both over and perpetually present, acknowledged only in whispers. The phrase "You will always be my secret love" acts as a constant refrain, a private vow that transcends the current reality of separation. The lyrics suggest a deep, unresolved connection, one that persists despite the end of the relationship, thriving in the shadows and defined by its hidden status. This enduring, clandestine affection is what gives the song its melancholic, yearning power.