What Love Is

Song Meaning

The lyrics paint a picture of a profound personal transformation, shifting from a solitary existence to one illuminated by love. Initially, the narrator perceived their life as predetermined, a path of inevitable loneliness, even questioning their own identity and past beliefs. This self-perception was so ingrained that the idea of a different destiny seemed impossible, a 'dream' that had convinced them of their solitary fate. The core tension arises from the contrast between the narrator's former, limited understanding of the world and the expansive reality love has introduced. Before encountering this new love, the narrator couldn't grasp fundamental concepts like the appearance of a star or the color blue, likening their previous state to never having looked at the sky. This inability to perceive beauty and depth is directly contrasted with the vivid sensory experiences now tied to the beloved's presence, such as seeing the world as a 'wonder of wonders' and feeling the softness of a cloud through touch. The most striking craft element is the repeated phrase "I never imagined," which acts as a powerful refrain emphasizing the sheer unexpectedness and magnitude of this love. This repetition underscores a complete redefinition of the narrator's reality, moving from a state of unknowing to one of overwhelming realization. The imagery of 'sunrise' and the sensory details of 'sounds of your breathing' and 'coloured by your signs' further illustrate this awakening, suggesting a world reborn and vibrant through the lens of love. Ultimately, these lyrics resonate because they capture the disorienting yet exhilarating experience of discovering a love that fundamentally alters one's perception of self and the world. The writing effectively conveys a sense of wonder and gratitude, transforming abstract concepts into tangible sensory experiences. The shift from a 'sensible, reasonable' disbelief in miracles to a reality now defined by love's transformative power makes the narrator's newfound perspective feel earned and deeply moving.