Song Meaning
The narrator reflects on a history of wanting things selfishly, admitting, "I wanted badly, I wanted badly." This past desire was often enacted through deceit and without regard for others, even when the affection wasn't reciprocated. The repeated phrase "quise" (I wanted) underscores a pattern of unfulfilled or misguided longing that dominated earlier parts of their life.
This self-centered approach to wanting has shifted dramatically. The lyrics declare a new intention: "But this time / I'm going to learn to love you." There's a sense of urgency, as "Life runs and doesn't wait / For the one who stays behind." This implies that past mistakes have created a critical juncture, demanding immediate change and a focus on a different kind of connection.
The most striking element is the transformation of simple arithmetic into a metaphor for deepening connection. Starting with "You, me, one plus one two," it escalates to "three," "four," "five," and "six," culminating in an almost infinite accumulation: "One plus one, plus one plus one plus one / Plus one..." This mathematical progression suggests that their shared love isn't just a simple sum but an ever-expanding entity, growing beyond predictable limits as they learn to love each other properly.
This evolution from selfish wanting to a commitment to learning mutual love is what gives the lyrics their power. The explicit plea, "Teach me, please / To love you, kiss you, care for you," paired with the escalating mathematical imagery, creates a compelling picture of growth. It’s about actively building something new and complex, moving beyond past errors towards a shared, expansive future.