Things We Do For Love

10cc's 'Things We Do For Love' delves into the complexities and emotional highs and lows that come with romantic relationships. The song opens with a poignant observation about the many broken hearts and lonely souls, setting a somber tone that underscores the emotional stakes involved in love. The lyrics suggest that love often involves taking risks and making sacrifices, as indicated by the line, 'You lay your bets and then you pay the price.' This metaphor of gambling highlights the uncertainty and potential for loss inherent in romantic endeavors.

The song also touches on the challenges of communication in relationships. The line 'Communication is the problem to the answer' suggests that while communication is essential for resolving issues, it is often fraught with difficulties. The imagery of having 'her number and your hand is on the phone' but being unable to connect due to downed lines serves as a metaphor for the barriers that can impede effective communication. This struggle is a common theme in relationships, where misunderstandings and miscommunications can lead to emotional turmoil.

The chorus, with its vivid imagery of 'walking in the rain and the snow when there's nowhere to go,' captures the feeling of being lost and emotionally drained in a relationship. Yet, despite these hardships, the song also highlights the moments of reconciliation and compromise that make love worthwhile. The lines 'You think you're gonna break up, then she says she wants to make up' encapsulate the cyclical nature of romantic relationships, where moments of despair are often followed by reconciliation. The song ultimately suggests that love is a series of compromises and sacrifices, encapsulated in the repeated refrain, 'The things we do for love.'