What Love Can Be

Song Meaning

The speaker in "What Love Can Be" expresses an overwhelming, almost breathless devotion to a new connection. They declare a desire for deep, lasting intimacy, wanting to be a "best friend for all of time" and even the "tissue for your tears." This intense attachment stems from a profound sense of past loneliness and a newfound emotional awakening. Before this connection, the lyrics suggest a life marked by disorientation and a lack of purpose. The speaker admits, "I was astray of knowing where I belong" and felt like they were "Living out of time." This stark contrast highlights the transformative power of the relationship, which is credited with having "set me free" and revealing what "love can be." A key element of the lyrics' craft is the repetition of "You allow, allow, allow... me to be / What I wanna be." This emphasizes the partner's role in the speaker's self-actualization, suggesting a liberating acceptance. The image of feeling like a "bright, shining star / For only you to see" further underscores this intimate self-discovery, implying that this newfound radiance is uniquely recognized and cherished by the beloved. The emotional effectiveness of these lyrics lies in their raw sincerity and escalating urgency. What begins as a declaration of love quickly evolves into fervent pleas for constant physical and emotional closeness. Phrases like "Hold me tight," "Touch me, don't let go," and "Give me all your love" convey a deep-seated need for reassurance and an almost desperate fear of losing this pivotal connection, making the repeated refrain, "All that I want is you with me," resonate with powerful, singular desire.