I Forgot That Love Existed (2017 version)

Song Meaning

Van Morrison's "I Forgot That Love Existed" is less a discovery than a stark, almost painful, rediscovery. It's a confession from an artist long associated with soulful searching; in this case, the search leads back to something fundamental that was somehow misplaced. The opening lines are heavy with the weight of that absence: 'I forgot that love existed troubled in my mind / Heartache after heartache, worried all the time.' It's not just a wistful sentiment; it's an acknowledgement of a consciousness consumed by negativity, a mind so preoccupied that it's blinded to the presence of love. The song becomes a journey out of that self-imposed darkness. Morrison's lyrics then pivot towards a philosophical angle, invoking Socrates and Plato. This isn't mere name-dropping; it's a subtle attempt to contextualize love within a broader historical and intellectual framework. These thinkers 'praised it to the skies,' suggesting that the value of love is not a modern invention but a timeless truth. The subsequent lines, 'Anyone who's ever loved / Everyone that ever tried,' broaden the scope, encompassing the universal human experience of seeking connection. It's an inclusive message, suggesting that the potential for love exists within everyone, regardless of success or failure. The chorus serves as the emotional core of "I Forgot That Love Existed," expressing a desire for a radical shift in perception. 'If my heart could do my thinking / And my head begin to feel / I would look upon the world anew / And know what's truly real.' This is the crux of the song's meaning: a longing to transcend the limitations of a purely rational, intellect-driven existence and embrace a more intuitive, emotionally grounded way of being. The repetition of this chorus underscores the depth of this yearning, highlighting the transformative power that love can have on one's understanding of reality. The song concludes with a sense of hopeful anticipation, a belief that rediscovering love will lead to a more authentic and fulfilling existence.