If Love Is Not Enough
Navigating Love's Limits: Peter Mulvey's Reflection on Relationship Challenges
Lyrics
How many should haves, how many should have nots
Reflecting on missed opportunities and choices.
How many I wish we hads lie between us?
Contemplating desires and unfulfilled wishes.
For two basically well intentioned people it seems to me Our failures just demean us
Despite good intentions, failures seem to define the relationship.
Is it lack of self regard?
Questioning if a lack of self-respect is the cause.
It should not be this hard
Expressing that it shouldn't be as difficult as it is.
I want to know, I want to know, I want to know
Expressing a strong desire for understanding.
If love is not enough then what's enough? I am listening
Asking what is sufficient if love alone isn't.
If love is not enough what keeps the moon bright,
Pondering on what maintains brightness in life.
What keeps the ocean glistening?
Questioning what keeps life vibrant and alive.
You think it's you, I think it's me
Recognizing differing perspectives on the relationship.
If love is not enough than what else can it be?
Wondering if love isn't sufficient, what else is needed?
When I get up to see the powers that be
Anticipating questioning those in authority about life's challenges.
I know there's one question I'll bring
Identifying a crucial question to ask those in power.
How can two people look at the same love
Highlighting the subjectivity of interpreting love.
And see two completely different things?
Noting the possibility of divergent perceptions despite shared experiences.
It hurts to say the heavy stuff, so we say it lightly
Acknowledging the difficulty of discussing serious matters.
And I'm amazed at how often I catch us both smiling, if only slightly
Surprised at finding moments of joy amid challenges.
But it's maddening, it's saddening, and I want to know
Expressing frustration and a strong desire for clarity.
If love is not enough then what's enough? I am waiting
Reiterating the question about what is enough in love.
Is there something I should know about the thin ice on which the survivors are skating?
Questioning potential hidden dangers in the relationship.
You think it's me, I think it's you
Recognizing differing opinions on the source of issues.
If love is not enough then what else can we do?
Asking for alternatives if love alone is insufficient.
So we go on, put on the brave face, but it makes me want to scream
Expressing inner turmoil despite maintaining a brave facade.
I quit, I give up, I will claw my way out of this bad, bad dream
Feeling overwhelmed and desperate to escape a distressing situation.
I love you still, I love you still, I love you still
Reaffirming love despite the challenges.
If love is not enough then what's enough? can you hear me?
Repeating the question, seeking acknowledgment and understanding.
I'm sick of the burns I've got on my body from all the perfectly good loves exploding near me
Tired of the pain caused by failed relationships.
What else can I say? what else can I say?
Expressing a sense of helplessness in finding additional words.
If love is not enough then we will go on loving anyway
Committing to continue loving despite uncertainties.
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