Wherever You Are
Andy Gibb
The Eternal Struggle of Love and Loss in 'Wherever You Are'
Andy Gibb's song 'Wherever You Are' delves into the complexities and emotional turmoil of love. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a relationship where the protagonist is deeply in love with a woman who seems to be unattainable or emotionally distant. The opening lines introduce a beautiful woman and an ordinary guy, highlighting the disparity and perhaps the insecurity felt by the protagonist. This sets the stage for a love that is intense yet fraught with challenges, described as a 'bottomless well' that can drag one down to the point of despair.
The chorus emphasizes the omnipresence of this love, stating 'Wherever you go, you live inside of me.' This line suggests that the protagonist's love is all-consuming and inescapable, regardless of physical distance. The repetition of 'lovin' every minute' underscores the intensity and passion of the relationship, but it is juxtaposed with the frustration of external obstacles that prevent the love from flourishing. The line 'Instead of loving you, I'm losing you' encapsulates the central conflict of the song, where the protagonist feels the pain of losing someone they deeply care about due to circumstances beyond their control.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of longing and unfulfilled desire. The protagonist sees the woman's face in the sky, moon, and stars, symbolizing how she is a constant presence in his thoughts, yet he acknowledges that 'it ain't real.' This dichotomy between reality and fantasy adds to the emotional depth of the song. The lyrics also touch on the idea of battling love to the limit but never being able to win, which speaks to the futility and heartbreak often associated with unrequited or complicated love. Despite the challenges, the protagonist's love remains steadfast, as indicated by the line 'Wherever you go, my love will follow you.' This enduring love, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to the song's exploration of the enduring and often painful nature of love.