It’s Always Been You

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a profound, almost transcendent love that has shifted dramatically over time. Initially, the connection is described with a nostalgic warmth, recalling unspoken affections and a deep sense of camaraderie. The narrator remembers a past where love was communicated non-verbally, through a simple glance, and a bond so strong they were "thick as thieves." This period was marked by an intense desire for the other person to stay, a plea born from the fear of losing something precious. The core emotional tension arises from the stark contrast between the past and the present. The memory of "weightlessness" and the feeling of being able to "do anything" when together is shattered. Now, the presence of the loved one, or perhaps the absence of that past connection, brings the narrator to their knees, overwhelmed by a crushing inability to "feel anything." This dramatic shift suggests a profound loss or a painful change in the relationship's dynamic. The repeated phrase "it's always been you" acts as a powerful anchor, emphasizing that despite the changing circumstances and emotional landscapes, the object of affection remains singular. The imagery of hands parting "like leaves on the vine" captures a sense of natural, perhaps inevitable, separation, while the earlier "swimming on the trees" evokes a surreal, boundless joy that is now lost. This juxtaposition highlights the fragility of happiness and the enduring nature of the narrator's singular focus on this person. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they articulate a universal experience of love's duality: its capacity for ecstatic highs and devastating lows. The writing effectively uses sensory details and contrasting emotional states to convey the depth of this personal history. The simple, direct assertion "it's always been you" grounds the entire narrative, making the emotional journey feel both intensely personal and deeply recognizable.