Pure Natural Love

Song Meaning

Jackie DeShannon's "Pure Natural Love" isn't just another love song; it's a stark before-and-after portrait of emotional transformation. The initial verses paint a desolate landscape of loneliness and inauthenticity. DeShannon lays bare the emptiness, singing of a life where 'love came on my way,' but failed to truly connect. The 'make-believe' feelings and 'arms full of lies' suggest a past filled with superficial connections, hinting at a defense mechanism built to shield against vulnerability. This makes the subsequent arrival of 'pure natural love' all the more potent. The chorus, the heart of the song, emphasizes the visceral, almost primal nature of this newfound connection. It's not just love; it's *pure* and *natural*, suggesting an unadulterated, instinctual bond. The repetition of 'When I lay my eyes on you' underscores the immediacy and impact of this person's presence. It's a love that transcends the intellectual, striking directly at the core of DeShannon's being. The line 'When you do those things you do' is tantalizingly vague, hinting at the specific, perhaps even idiosyncratic, ways this person ignites her soul. It's the small gestures, the unspoken understanding, that solidify this feeling as something profoundly real. Ultimately, "Pure Natural Love" explores the contrast between a life lived in emotional shadows and the liberating power of authentic connection. The lyrics convey a sense of profound relief and gratitude. The simple statement 'You push away the rain' speaks volumes about the transformative effect of this love, suggesting a refuge from past hurts and a promise of emotional shelter. DeShannon isn't just singing about finding love; she's singing about finding herself through the transformative power of genuine human connection. It's a testament to love's ability to heal and redefine our understanding of ourselves and the world.