Never Knew Love
Revelations of Unforeseen Love: They Might Be Giants' Surprising Ode
Lyrics
I never knew love could be like this
Discovering a new, profound understanding of love.
I never knew love could be like this
Reiteration of the unexpected nature of this newfound love.
I go around thinking I'm a genius
Feeling a sense of intellectual superiority but being humbled by love.
But I never knew love could be like this
Expressing surprise at the depth and nature of love.
Cartography
Reference to mapmaking, suggesting a lack of expertise in navigating relationships.
Is not my métier
Admitting that cartography (mapping) is not one's skill or profession.
And the mountain side of daydreams
Metaphorically describing the challenges of pursuing dreams and aspirations.
Too steep for me today
Feeling overwhelmed by the difficulties of reaching personal goals.
Lovers lost before us
Acknowledging the struggles and failures of those who came before in love.
And most did not return
Highlighting the high risk and low success rate in romantic endeavors.
The few who so held out hardy
Commending those who persevered in love but facing eventual downfall.
Now going down and burned
Describing a tragic end for those who endured in love.
I never knew love could be like this
Reiterating the surprise and novelty of the love experience.
Was anyone else but me surprised?
Expressing personal surprise at the unpredictability of love events.
How anything happens is mysterious
Reflecting on the mysterious and unpredictable nature of life events.
And I never knew love could be like this
Repeating the astonishment at the unexpected quality of love.
Biography
Shifting to the theme of biography, emphasizing personal understanding.
Is all they understand
Indicating that personal history is comprehended more than abstract concepts.
No semaphore or secrets
Contrasting personal understanding with a lack of communication or pretense.
Or just good old pretend
Emphasizing the simplicity of honesty or pretending in relationships.
Now they all are sleeping
Referencing the peacefulness of others while one remains active or restless.
But this keeps us awake
Highlighting the persistence of thoughts or words that keep one awake.
These words, they need safekeeping
Viewing words as valuable, needing protection to keep promises intact.
A promise not to break
Committing to safeguarding the meaningful words and promises in love.
I never knew love could be like this
Reiteration of the unexpected and transformative nature of love.
I never knew love could be like this
Repeating the surprise and realization of the unique qualities of love.
I go around thinking I'm a genius
Echoing the theme of intellectual confidence contrasting with love's mystery.
But I never knew love
Stating the lack of prior knowledge or awareness of the true nature of love.
Has it ever been love?
Pondering whether the experiences so far can truly be defined as love.
Oh, I never knew love could be like this
Reaffirming the astonishment at the unexpected qualities of love.
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