Only Love

Ben Howard's song 'Only Love' is a tender and emotive ballad that delves into the depths of love's vulnerability and the need for connection. The lyrics convey a sense of intimacy and reliance on a significant other, with the repeated phrase 'Darling you're with me, always around me' emphasizing the constant presence and importance of the loved one in the speaker's life. The request for shelter or a demonstration of heart suggests a plea for protection and genuine affection, highlighting the speaker's desire for a safe space and emotional transparency within the relationship.

The metaphorical language, such as 'a wind in the shadow, a whale song in the deep,' adds a layer of poetic depth to the song, illustrating the profound and often ineffable nature of love. These lines evoke a sense of something grand and mysterious, much like the vastness of the ocean or the elusive nature of a whale's song—beautiful, deep, and not fully understood. This imagery aligns with the theme of love as an all-encompassing force that is both comforting and overwhelming.

The repetition of 'watch me fall apart' throughout the song serves as a raw admission of the speaker's emotional state, indicating that love can lead to a sense of unraveling or loss of control. This vulnerability is further underscored by the repetition of 'only love' and variations of 'come on love,' which can be interpreted as a call for love to take the lead, to guide the speaker through the tumultuous journey of emotional exposure and connection. The song's stripped-down acoustic style complements the lyrical content, allowing Howard's voice and the message of the song to resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level.