This Is Real

Song Meaning

Oleta Adams's "This Is Real" doesn't tiptoe around its central theme; it dives headfirst into the deep end of authentic, all-consuming love. The lyrics, while straightforward, resonate with a raw vulnerability. It's a bold declaration, repeatedly chanting the affirmation "This is real," as if to ward off any doubt or cynicism that might creep in. The song isn't just about being in love; it's about recognizing and cherishing a connection that feels fundamentally true, a love impervious to the corrosive effects of time or external interference. The almost desperate insistence that "time can't steal it" hints at a fear, a primal anxiety that this profound connection could somehow be lost. This underscores the psychological weight of finding a love that feels predestined. The core of "This Is Real" explores the intoxicating and sometimes frightening experience of surrendering to love. The repeated phrase "I can feel it" emphasizes the sensory and emotional validation of this connection. It's not just a mental acknowledgment but a visceral, undeniable truth etched into the singer's very being. The lyrics also hint at a desire for reassurance, a need to hear the words of affirmation that solidify the bond: "Draw me near, whisper sweet things in my ear, baby / When you tell me what I want to hear." This underscores a universal human craving for validation and the security of knowing one is truly seen and desired. The vulnerability inherent in this desire is balanced by the strength of the conviction that "nothing compares to the thrill / That I feel when my love starts to build." This is a love that empowers and elevates. Ultimately, Oleta Adams' song is about the transformative power of genuine connection. The lyrics suggest a journey from a place of uncertainty or perhaps even past disappointment, to a state of absolute certainty. The lines "I never knew love like this / Could ever exist" speaks volumes. It is a testament to the idea that true love can be a revelation, a force that shatters pre-conceived notions and opens one up to previously unimagined possibilities. The song meaning rests on the conviction of a love so profound it becomes the bedrock of existence, a truth that transcends the mundane and redefines reality. The repeated declaration of "This is real" isn't just a statement; it's a mantra, a defiant act of faith in the face of a world that often feels anything but.