How Do You Love?

Collective Soul's song 'How Do You Love?' delves into the complexities and hidden facets of love and self-awareness. The lyrics paint a picture of unrecognized and unreciprocated love, symbolized by gifts and gestures that go unnoticed. The recurring line, 'But you never knew,' emphasizes the theme of missed opportunities and the blindness to the love that surrounds us. This unawareness is not just about the external world but also about the internal truths that one hides from oneself.

The song also explores the idea of self-sabotage and the barriers we create that prevent us from experiencing love fully. The line, 'And the truth that you'll find will always be the truth you hide,' suggests that the answers to our questions about love and fulfillment are often within us, but we choose to ignore them. This internal conflict is further highlighted by the chorus, which questions how one can love when their 'angels can't sing' and their world is 'lacking of me.' This implies a sense of incompleteness and a struggle to find harmony within oneself.

In the latter part of the song, the lyrics shift to a more introspective tone, urging the listener to reflect on their own actions and the 'gifts you've never given.' This introspection is a call to recognize and embrace the love and potential within oneself. The song concludes with a poignant reminder that the truths we seek are often the ones we are most afraid to confront. Collective Soul's 'How Do You Love?' is a profound exploration of love, self-awareness, and the hidden truths that shape our emotional lives.