Love Is

Song Meaning

Paul Anka, a name synonymous with crooner elegance, pivots in "Love Is" toward a simpler, more domestic tableau. It's not the Vegas shimmer or Rat Pack swagger one might expect. Instead, the song opens with a Sunday morning, breakfast in bed, and a partner who walks in "without any warning." This intrusion of the everyday into the idealized world of romance is key. It suggests a love that thrives not on grand gestures, but on the quiet intimacy of shared mornings and unexpected kindnesses. The lyrics paint a picture of contentment found in the mundane, elevating the ordinary to something extraordinary. The "walking under the same umbrella" line speaks to a shared journey, a partnership navigating the storms of life together, finding solace and unity in their connection. The chorus delves deeper, attempting to define the elusive concept of love. "Love is the pleasure that no one can measure," Anka sings, emphasizing the subjective and deeply personal nature of the emotion. It's not about quantifiable metrics or societal expectations, but the immeasurable joy derived from the connection between two individuals. The lyrics touch on the active and reciprocal nature of love: "making it, giving it, taking it." It's a dance of mutual effort and acceptance, a continuous exchange that strengthens the bond. The imagery of escaping on "the wings of the first plane that flies" speaks to a desire for adventure and shared experiences, while the emphasis on "the look of surprise in your eyes" highlights the importance of genuine emotion and appreciation. It's the thought that counts, not the material gift. However, the final verse introduces a jarring note, a hint of insecurity or perhaps a playful ambiguity. The singer describes a physical reaction to his partner's presence – "the shaking of fourteen fevers" – suggesting an intense, almost overwhelming desire. But then, the lyrics take a strange turn: "When I'm looking in your direction / Baby I can see three / Which of you can she be?" This could be interpreted as a playful acknowledgement of the many facets of his partner's personality, the different roles she embodies within their relationship. Or, more darkly, it could hint at a deeper unease, a questioning of identity or a fear of losing oneself within the confines of love. This final ambiguity prevents "Love Is" from becoming a saccharine ode, adding a layer of psychological complexity to its otherwise straightforward message of devotion.