If This Is Love

Song Meaning

Jonny Lang's "If This Is Love" isn't a saccharine declaration; it's a bluesy indictment of a lopsided relationship, framed with self-deprecating humor. The song's core revolves around the protagonist's bewildered reaction to the disorienting effects of a love that feels more like a personal torment. The opening lines confess to an almost comical awkwardness in the presence of the beloved, marked by physical symptoms of anxiety. This initial vulnerability sets the stage for a deeper exploration of imbalance. The lyrics hint that this isn't a mutual exchange of affection, but rather a one-sided affair where the speaker feels manipulated. Lang isn't romanticizing lovesickness; he's exposing the uncomfortable truth of feeling like a fool. The repeated line, "If this is love, I'd rather have the blues," becomes a sardonic mantra, a rejection of a love that brings more pain than joy. The middle verses amplify the feeling of being used. The line "I heard love was a two way street / But from where I am sitting...It is all one way to me" is a direct confrontation of the imbalance in his relationship. The lyrics also touch on themes of manipulation, as the singer feels his identity and autonomy are being eroded ("You could change my name, and call me honey-do"). The self-awareness is crucial here. Lang isn't just complaining; he's acknowledging his own role in the dynamic, recognizing that he's allowed himself to be taken advantage of. Ultimately, "If This Is Love" possesses a complex exploration of love's darker side. It acknowledges the intoxicating power of infatuation while simultaneously lamenting the loss of self that can accompany it. The song's meaning isn't about rejecting love outright, but rather about rejecting a version of love that demands subservience and self-denial. Jonny Lang uses the blues tradition to dissect the messy, often painful realities of modern relationships, leaving listeners to question the true cost of affection.