This Is What You Mean to Me

Song Meaning

Before you, life was a "cold' lonely feelin'" and "sadness." Now, love has arrived, bringing "forgiving" and a "reason for living." The narrator explicitly states they've "pushed all my sadness aside," indicating a complete transformation from a state of despair to one of joy and purpose, all thanks to this new relationship. The core tension lies in the stark contrast between the narrator's past emptiness and their present fulfillment. The lyrics repeatedly emphasize this shift, moving from "nothing" to having "love forgiving" and a "reason for living." This isn't just about happiness; it's about a fundamental change in their existence, where problems are now solved and dark clouds have "all disappeared." The most striking craft element is the consistent use of similes to define the beloved's importance. A day without them is "like a day without sunshine" or "a song without a melody." These aren't just comparisons; they're declarations of necessity, framing the person as essential for basic function and joy, much like light or music. This lyrical approach works because it grounds abstract feelings of love in tangible, everyday experiences. The repetition of "This is what you mean to me" acts as a powerful, almost incantatory affirmation. By linking the beloved to fundamental elements like sunshine and melody, the lyrics create a vivid picture of how deeply this person has become integrated into the narrator's sense of well-being and identity.