Love Waits

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of youthful impulsivity and its potential consequences, framed by the recurring idea that true love requires patience. Initially, a "scared little girl" and "wild little boy" are depicted playing with love "like a brand new toy," unaware of future regrets. This sets up a central tension: the immediate desire versus the long-term implications for their "tender hearts." The narrative shifts to a more somber reality where the "wild boy is gone," leaving the girl to face a significant decision, possibly an unplanned pregnancy, described as "another life inside her now." The phrase "twist of fate" suggests a lack of control, but the repeated question, "will anybody tell her / If it's love, love waits?" underscores a yearning for guidance and the wisdom that true love doesn't rush. The song contrasts this youthful haste with a mature definition of love: "Love is patient, love is kind / It won't ever cross the line / Between what's right and wrong." This idealized love also rejects manipulative declarations like "I love you / So you better love me too." The final verse introduces a mother's poignant reflection, warning her daughter against repeating past mistakes by drawing a parallel to her own "first wild romance" from "seventeen years ago." Ultimately, the lyrics suggest that the painful lessons learned from impulsive decisions are what teach us the value of waiting. The repeated refrain "love waits" serves as a gentle, yet firm, reminder that genuine connection and commitment are built on patience and thoughtful consideration, not on immediate gratification or pressure.