Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of an intense, almost overwhelming initial attraction. The narrator describes a sudden, powerful connection, feeling "light-headed at the touch of this stranger's hand." This initial encounter is framed as an "assault" that their defenses couldn't stop, suggesting a loss of control. The narrator was clearly in a mindset where finding "one true love" was paramount, making them particularly susceptible to this powerful feeling. The central tension lies in the narrator's wavering belief in the permanence of this love. While being in the other person's arms sparks a strong sense of conviction – "I start believing (It's here to stay)" – this is immediately undercut by the repeated refrain, "Love is only a feeling anyway." This creates a push-and-pull between the intoxicating present moment and a more cynical, or perhaps realistic, assessment of love's transient nature. The most striking aspect is the shift in the final chorus. The earlier verses express a desire to believe in the feeling, but the narrator now urges, "And we've got to stop ourselves believing (It's here to stay)." This suggests a painful realization that the intensity of the feeling, while potent, is not necessarily indicative of lasting love, and clinging to that belief might lead to future disappointment. This lyrical craft is effective because it captures the often-conflicting experience of falling in love. The contrast between the overwhelming initial rush and the sober conclusion highlights the vulnerability of the narrator. The simple, almost blunt repetition of "Love is only a feeling anyway" acts as a grounding, albeit melancholic, counterpoint to the soaring emotions described, making the eventual resignation feel earned.