Song Meaning

The lyrics for "For All We Know" open with an intimate address, immediately juxtaposing deep affection with a candid admission of distance. It's a tender yet remarkably clear-eyed look at a relationship's beginning. The speaker acknowledges both current closeness and the vast unknown that lies ahead. The central tension in these lyrics lies in the desire for a profound, lasting connection—expressed as "Let's take a lifetime to say I knew you well"—against the backdrop of an uncertain future. Phrases like "Strangers in many ways" and "time alone will tell" highlight this inherent vulnerability. The commitment here is to the *process* of knowing, not just an assumed outcome. The repeated refrain, "For only time will tell us so / And love may grow for all we know," is particularly potent. It's not a question of *if* love will grow, but an acceptance that its trajectory is fundamentally unknowable. The subtle shift from "I knew you well" to "I know you well" in the repeated lines also suggests a focus on the present, ongoing endeavor of understanding one another. These lyrics resonate because they articulate a mature, unvarnished perspective on love. They don't shy away from the inherent risks or the vastness of an unknown future. Instead, they embrace the journey of discovery, finding beauty in the commitment to explore that uncertainty together, making the hopeful "love may grow" feel earned and deeply moving.