14 Lyrics That Taught Us Everything About Love
When it comes to the greatness of music, Sinead O’Connor said it best: “It’s a singer’s job to carry other peoples’ feelings. . . [So] you can have a way of expressing all the stuff you can’t get in touch with otherwise.” And it’s true. Music is like a three-minute conversation with someone who understands everything you’re feeling. And for that, we are forever grateful . . . especially when it comes to the complexities of love. Music has held our hand through some romantic (and not-so-romantic) milestones. Let’s give it up for the 13 lyrics that taught us extremely important lessons about love:
Lesson 1. Go with the flow
When it comes to the beginning stages of love, it’s best to sit back and see where it takes you In fact, it’s encouraged (by me. . . and Aaliyah).
“Try Again” – Aaliyah
You know our chemistry
Is off the chain
It’s perfect now
But will it change
This ain’t a yes
This ain’t a no
Just do your thang
We’ll see how it goes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcIvIladNnQ
Lesson 2. Play it cool
First off, this song might go down in history as one of the most underrated songs of the ’90s. Second, I don’t believe Jennifer Paige when she claim’s “it’s just a little thing, a crush,” which makes this song that much better.
“Crush” – Jennifer Paige
It’s raising my adrenaline
You’re banging on a heart of tin
Please don’t make too much of it baby
You say the word “forevermore”
That’s not what I’m looking for
All I can commit to is “maybe“
Lesson 3. When you find something special, hold onto it
You intuitively know when you’ve found something or someone exceptional. When you find it (or if you’ve already found it) treasure it with all your might and don’t take it for granted. Take it from Sam Smith.
“Latch” – Disclosure feat. Sam Smith
You lift my heart up
When the rest of me is down
You, you enchant me
Even when you’re not around
If there are boundaries
I will try to knock them down
I’m latching on, babe
Now I know what I have found
Lesson 4. It’s okay to act crazy about someone
There are a lot of songs that liken the state of being “in love” to total insanity, and that’s okay! You should be head-over-heels if you’re in love. If anybody gives you crap for it, tell them you’re taking a page out of Beyoncé’s “Crazy In Love” songbook.
“Crazy in Love” – Beyoncé feat. Jay Z
Got me looking so crazy, my baby
I’m not myself lately
I’m foolish, I don’t do this
I’ve been playing myself
Baby I don’t care
Cuz your love’s got the best of me
And baby you’re making a fool of me
You got me sprung and I don’t care who sees
Lesson 5. Your motor skills may be compromised . . . because love.
If what lead singer Jason Wade says is true, you need to avoid falling in love near any busy streets. But seriously, love can turn you into a bumbling fool. . . but the sweet, endearing kind.
“Hanging By a Moment” – Lifehouse
I’m standing here until you make me move
I’m hanging by a moment here with you
I’m living for the only thing I know
I’m running and not quite sure where to go
And I don’t know what I’m diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvAx2qagtlQ
Lesson 6. You may volunteer to do/be things you never thought were humanly possible
You may find yourself suddenly making selfless sacrifices, putting deep thought into birthday gifts and purchasing flowers for no reason at all. Thank you, Edwin McCain.
“I’ll Be” – Edwin McCain
I’ll be your crying shoulder
I’ll be love’s suicide
I’ll be better when I’m older
I’ll be the greatest fan of your life
Is anyone else imagining a shoulder walking around with tears coming down its face? No? I guess it’s just me again.
Lesson 7. The sky can fall down and you’ll still be fine
Love has a way of giving you a sense of security — like nothing in the world matters, even if you’re staring deep in the eyes of Armageddon. That’s what the guys of Capital Cities think, at least.
“Safe and Sound” – Capital Cities
You could be my luck
Even if the sky is falling down
I know that we’ll be safe and sound
Lesson 8. Never mind. I take it back. You won’t necessarily be safe. . .
. . . But the presence of love makes imminent disaster of your worries. We learned this lesson back in ’97 from Savage Garden.
“Truly Madly Deeply” – Savage Garden
I want to stand with you on a mountain
I want to bathe with you in the sea
I want to lay like this forever
Until the sky falls down on me
Lesson 9. Falling skies aside, love is all about teamwork
It’s all about complementary companionship. You’re complete without the other person, but when you’re together, you bring out the best in each other. We can thank Ne-Yo for wording this concept so beautifully.
“Make Me Better” – Fabolous feat. Ne-Yo
I’m a movement by myself
But I’m a force when we’re together
Mami I’m good all by myself
But baby you, you make me better
Lesson 10. Unfortunately, feelings can change. . .
. . . And people can change. Sometimes growing together just isn’t in the cards, and that’s okay. But man, oh man, the initial shock can burn like no other. It aches to even read Jessie Ware’s lyrics.
“Devotion” – Jessie Ware
Ready to love but do you want it enough
Can we find a way to bring you back again
You say you want to love but do you want it enough
The end of us, it never hurt so much
Lesson 11. If it ends, you might be in denial (for a long time)
When something ends unexpectedly sometimes we just don’t know how to accept it, we don’t want to accept it, because it goes against everything we thought was true.
“You Were Meant For Me” – Jewel
Dreams last so long
Even after you’re gone
I know that you love me
And soon you will see
You were meant for me
And I was meant for you
Lesson 12. Never (and I mean NEVER), put up with anyone who hurts you
Don’t waste your time and energy on someone who hurts you in any way. You deserve the absolute best, and nothing less. If you don’t believe me, listen to Adele.
“Turning Tables” – Adele
I won’t let you close enough to hurt me
No, I won’t ask you, you to just desert me
I can’t give you what you think you gave me
It’s time to say goodbye to turning tables
Lesson 13. When it’s time to go, just let go (with maybe a little parting dig.)
Accepting the relationship is over and setting yourself (and the other person) free is sometimes your best play. Though it doesn’t hurt to remind them that you are awesome in the process.
“I Could’ve Been Your Girl” — She & Him
It doesn’t matter, I’ve just begun
And if you see me, just move on
Cause we are free and never meant to be
Cause I could’ve been your girl
And you could’ve been my four leaf clover
If I could do it over I’d send you the pillow that I cry on
Lesson 14. No matter what, you’ll be just fine (if not better off) on your own
Sometimes purging yourself of a relationship can be the best thing for you. Embrace that phase of rediscovery and personal growth. You’ll find strength you didn’t know you had.
“Survivor” – Destiny’s Child
Now that you’re out of my life
I’m so much better
You thought that I’d be weak without you
But I’m stronger
You thought that I’d be broke without you
But I’m richer
You thought that I’d be sad without you
I laugh harder
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