The Things We Do For Love

10cc's song "The Things We Do For Love" delves into the complexities and sacrifices inherent in romantic relationships. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotional rollercoaster that love often entails. The opening lines, "Too many broken hearts have fallen in the river / Too many lonely souls have drifted out to sea," set a somber tone, highlighting the inevitable heartaches and loneliness that can accompany love. This imagery of hearts falling and souls drifting suggests a sense of loss and longing, emphasizing the emotional stakes involved in romantic endeavors.

The song explores the theme of communication, or rather the lack thereof, as a significant barrier in relationships. Lines like "Communication is the problem to the answer / You've got her number and your hand is on the phone" suggest that even when the means to connect are available, misunderstandings and miscommunications can still prevail. The metaphor of the weather turning and lines being down further underscores the unpredictability and challenges that can disrupt romantic connections.

A recurring motif in the song is the idea of enduring hardships for the sake of love. The chorus, "Like walking in the rain and the snow / When there's nowhere to go / And you're feelin' like a part of you is dying," captures the sense of desolation and struggle that can accompany love. Yet, despite these challenges, the song also speaks to the resilience and willingness to compromise that love demands. The lines "A compromise would surely help the situation / Agree to disagree, but disagree to part" highlight the necessity of finding middle ground and making sacrifices to sustain a relationship. Ultimately, "The Things We Do For Love" is a poignant reflection on the lengths people go to for love, capturing both the pain and the beauty of romantic commitment.