Save Your Kisses For Me

The song 'Save Your Kisses For Me' by Brotherhood of Man, which won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1976, is a catchy tune with a twist in its narrative. At first glance, the lyrics seem to describe a common scenario: a person having to leave their loved one for a period of time, asking them to remain faithful and to 'save their kisses' until they return. The repeated assurances of 'I love you' and the request for the loved one to wait and not cry suggest a deep affection and a strong bond between the two.

However, the song's final line reveals a surprising twist: 'Even though you're only three.' This line changes the context of the song entirely, indicating that the 'loved one' is actually the singer's child. This revelation casts the previous verses in a new light, transforming the song from a typical romantic ballad into a tender moment between a parent and their young child. The parent is likely leaving for work or a trip and is expressing their love and the pain of parting, even if it's just for the day.

The song cleverly plays with the expectations of the listener, using a common love song trope to ultimately tell a story of familial love and the everyday heartache of leaving one's child, even for necessary reasons. The emotional appeal of the song lies in its relatability for many parents who experience this bittersweet routine, and it resonates with anyone who has had to say goodbye to a loved one, no matter the context.