Since I Fell For You
Al Jarreau
The Heartache of Unrequited Love in 'Since I Fell For You'
Al Jarreau's rendition of 'Since I Fell For You' is a poignant exploration of the pain and sorrow that accompanies unrequited love. The lyrics delve into the emotional turmoil of loving someone who does not reciprocate those feelings. The opening lines set the tone, highlighting the futility of giving love without receiving it in return. Despite knowing that it would be better to let go, the singer confesses an inability to remove the object of his affection from his heart.
The song's narrative continues with the singer recounting how his life has been turned upside down since falling in love. He left his 'happy home' and gave his love, only to be abandoned. This abandonment has led to a life filled with 'misery and pain,' a sentiment that is repeated to emphasize the depth of his suffering. The chorus further underscores the complexity of his emotions, expressing the sadness and frustration of being in love with someone who alternates between affection and rejection.
The recurring theme of 'blues' in the lyrics symbolizes the deep melancholy that the singer experiences nightly. The use of the term 'black and blue' metaphorically represents the emotional bruises inflicted by this unrequited love. The song's structure, with its repeated choruses and verses, mirrors the cyclical nature of the singer's heartache, suggesting that he is trapped in a loop of longing and despair. Al Jarreau's soulful delivery adds an extra layer of emotion, making the listener feel the weight of the singer's unfulfilled love and the enduring impact it has on his life.