It Was Only Love

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a stark picture of a relationship that never truly began, existing only in the realm of missed opportunities. The narrator laments what could have been, stating, "I never got to hold you / Or kiss you when you cry." This sense of unfulfilled potential is amplified by the repeated "Outside / Outside" and "Inside / Inside," suggesting a fundamental disconnect, a space between what was desired and what was actualized. The core tragedy lies in the inability to nurture the nascent connection, leaving the narrator to reflect, "I never had the chance / To keep this thing alive." The central tension arises from the abrupt and inexplicable end of this potential love. The narrator grapples with the suddenness of the loss, questioning, "How could something so beautiful / Disappear overnight?" This bewilderment is underscored by the dramatic imagery of "Storm clouds gather up above," framing the relationship's demise as an almost apocalyptic event. The repeated accusation, "You messed it up, it was the both of us," highlights a shared responsibility, yet the overwhelming feeling is one of profound regret for what was lost. The most striking aspect of the writing is the stark contrast between the present despair and the hopeful, albeit fragile, vision of the future. The narrator declares, "Tomorrow / Tomorrow / We will live again / Today we must die," creating a powerful dichotomy between enduring hope and immediate devastation. This cyclical framing, where the present moment is a death that must be endured for a future rebirth, emphasizes the depth of the current pain. The repeated refrain, "It was only love," serves as both a justification and a lament, underscoring the perceived simplicity and purity of the lost connection, making its destruction all the more tragic.