How Could I Know (Love Was to Go)

Song Meaning

Raul Seixas's "How Could I Know (Love Was to Go)" isn't just a song; it's a raw, almost defiant, existential shrug. The opening verse throws us into a world of self-determination, urging listeners to 'reformulate' and 'rearrange' their lives, driven by an almost Nietzschean confidence. The bold assertion that 'Jesus Christ...won't be coming back no more' isn't blasphemy; it’s a call for radical self-reliance. This sets the stage for a personal journey of artistic awakening, symbolized by the growing hair and the empowering guitar. But the punch lands with the chorus: 'how could I know?' It's the sound of innocence colliding with a preordained destiny. The second verse delves deeper into the tension between youthful idealism and the manipulative forces of the world. The childhood dream of being a king is juxtaposed with the reality of being taught 'how to sing' – a possible metaphor for being molded and controlled. Yet, there's a spark of rebellion. The artist, armed with 'pencil, guitar, amplifier,' becomes a truth-seeker, ready to expose 'lousy liars' and, like Nero, set the world ablaze. This isn't just about destruction; it's about clearing the path for something new, a violent act of creation. The second chorus echoes the theme of unforeseen consequences, a lament of someone who has suddenly found the capacity to see in the dark. This newfound awareness comes with a price, a burden of responsibility they never asked for. The outro offers a chilling perspective on the cyclical nature of rebellion and sacrifice. 'It's been so long now since the latest "reb" has gone' suggests that the artist is aware of their place in a long line of dissenters, destined to be consumed by history. The final question, 'Who knows you'll be the next / To go down the history,' is a haunting reminder of the potential cost of challenging the status quo. The song's meaning, therefore, resides in the delicate balance between self-empowerment and the crushing weight of fate. It's a bluesy meditation on the unforeseen consequences of embracing one's potential, a question mark hanging over the price of artistic expression and societal change.