Song Meaning
The lyrics open with an intimate address, "Love, look at the two of us," immediately establishing a tender, reflective tone. Yet, this closeness is quickly tempered by the admission, "Strangers in many ways." It's a candid snapshot of a relationship, acknowledging both deep affection and unexplored depths. This immediate contrast sets up a nuanced understanding of connection.
The core tension lies in this duality: present intimacy versus future uncertainty. The speaker feels the partner "close to me" but immediately qualifies it with "time alone will tell." This isn't a doubt in affection, but a mature recognition that true understanding is a long game, not an instant revelation. It highlights the patience inherent in a lasting bond.
The repeated phrase, "Let's take a lifetime to say," acts as a powerful, proactive vow. It reframes the unknown not as a threat, but as an invitation to truly know the other person. The commitment isn't just to stay together, but to actively engage in the ongoing process of discovery, transforming "strangers" into deeply known companions over years.
What makes these lyrics resonate is their grounded optimism. They don't promise a fairytale, but a realistic, enduring love built on patience and a willingness to embrace the unknown. The final, echoing line, "For all we know," encapsulates this beautifully, suggesting that the greatest potential lies precisely in the unwritten future, a future they choose to navigate together.